Johni Broome

A strong high school career for Tampa Catholic High School in Tampa, Florida saw Johni Broome win Hillsborough County Player of the Year as a senior with 19.6 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. He began his collegiate career at Morehead State. He won OVC Freshman of the Year and was voted to the All-OVC First Team. The following season, Broome made conference First Team again but added OVC Defensive Player of the Year with averages of 16.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.9 blocks, 1.2 assists and 0.7 steals. Following that sophomore campaign, Broome transferred to Auburn. As a junior, he made Second Team All-SEC. His first senior campaign was a small breakout. That season, he reached AP All-American Third Team, First Team All-SEC, SEC All-Defensive Team, SEC Tournament MVP and Legends Classic MVP. During his final campaign in 2024-25, he averaged 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.1 blocks and 0.9 steals in 30.3 minutes. The excellent season resulted in Broome winning the Karl Malone Award and the Pete Newell Big Man Award. He was also All-American First Team, Sporting News Player of the Year, SEC Player of the Year, SEC All-Tournament Team and Maui Invitational MVP. Broome is most comfortable in the paint on both ends of the floor. He can score in the post and finish at the rim, whether he gets the ball off a pick-and-roll or an offensive rebound. He isn't reliant on getting all the way to the rim, as he can finish with a floater touch. Receiving the ball in the post is a playmaking option for Broome as well since he can read the floor and make good passes. Defense is his primary calling card, as he's a great shot-blocker and floor general on that side of the ball. Broome should appeal to NBA teams who are interested in a small-ball five who can still block shots. Teams interested in running big could also deploy him as a power forward, though one whose 3-point shooting needs to be refined. Ultimately, he's a capable rebounder and a strong backline defender on defense who can fit a couple of different roles on offense - some of which may depend on his development. Broome shares similarities to players like Jaylin Williams, Taj Gibson and Daniel Theis.