What does it take to lead your team to the Final Four while battling injuries? Ask Johni Broome. The Auburn star has powered his team with elite defense, clutch performances, and sheer determination. Let’s rewind and see how he got here.
Johni Broome’s Parents Were Star Athletes Before Him
Broome was born on July 19, 2002, in Plant City, Florida, to a family with a strong athletic background. His parents, John Sr. and Julie Broome have impressive sports credentials; Julie played professional basketball in Germany and later took on a coaching role at Jacksonville State University.
Meanwhile, John Sr. played baseball at Alabama State University. Johni also has two older siblings: his brother, John Jr., played football at Florida International University, and his sister, Jade’a.
“It’s John-i. Johni. When you say it together, it’s just John-i. I think, sometimes, people put too much emphasis on it, or it’s just where they’re from or how their accent is. But it’s not Johnny. It can look like Johnny, but to me, Johnny could be spelled five or six different ways. So, I get it.” Julie discussed Johni’s name with Adam Cole of the Montgomery Advertiser.
Tampa Catholic was Broome’s Launchpad
Before switching to Tampa Catholic High School, he spent his first two years at Plant City High School. Growing up in Plant City, Florida, as a senior, he guided his squad to two visits to the 5A state playoffs, averaging 19.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. He performed so brilliantly that he earned the Florida 4A All-State First Team and received honors as Hillsborough County Player of the Year.
2020–21 Season Put Him on the National Radar
Broome immediately made himself known when he started college at Morehead State University. During his freshman year (2020–21), he was named the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Freshman of the Year, voted the OVC Tournament MVP, and was a member of the All-OVC First Team. he averaged 13.8 points, grabbed 9.0 rebounds, and blocked 2.0 shots. Reaching new rookie marks for the school, he grabbed 271 rebounds and registered 56 blocks.
He even improved his game as a sophomore in 2021–22, averaging 16.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.9 blocks per game. Defensively, it was the best season in school history. He set the record with 131 blocks, averaging 3.9 blocks per game.
Broome Earned Spot on Third-Team All-American List
In 2022, he transferred to Auburn University to find better prospects. As a junior, he was the Tigers’ leading scorer and the 10th-best blocker in the nation. He averaged 14.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. He was also named second-team All-SEC and the USBWA All-District IV team.
He improved again in 2023, averaging 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds a game. An honor many have held at a university, he was included in the joint third-team All-American. As one of the best big men in college basketball, he was a big part of Auburn’s SEC Tournament win.
Elite Eight Hero Broome Lifts Auburn
A big part of why Auburn got to the Final Four in 2024–25 was because of Broome. He averaged 18.7 points and 10.9 boards per game. A key part of the Tigers’ memorable run to the Final Four was his fantastic performance against Michigan State in the Elite Eight.
He scored 22 points and grabbed 16 boards while nursing an elbow injury. He is one of the nominees for the Wooden Award, given to the best player in college basketball.
“It felt amazing. Yeah, what is it like just to see him on this level and compete the way he does? It’s like a dream of his come true, and I’m glad to be here for him,” Julie said about Auburn’s Elite 8 win.
“Words can’t explain. I mean, I’m speechless, you know, but to say the least, I’m proud,” said John Sr.
Key Skills That Make Him a 2025 NBA Draft Prospect
He will likely be picked late in the first round or early second round in the 2025 NBA Draft. His ability to block shots, get boards, and score down in the low post stands out. Scouts believe that he should work to be more consistent outside with his shot and get better at making plays.
In March 2025, he partnered with C4 Energy for their “Bracket Breakers” campaign. He has also collaborated with various brands, including Freddy’s Steakburgers, the Scarlet & Gold Shop, Byron’s Smokehouse, and On To Victory, Auburn’s NIL collective.
