The 2025 NBA Draft concluded with a significant moment for Auburn basketball, as forward Johni Broome officially heard his name called. The Philadelphia 76ers selected Broome with the 35th overall pick, the fifth pick of the second round. This selection marks another milestone in what has been a remarkable collegiate career for Broome and a continued testament to Bruce Pearl’s ability to develop NBA-level talent.
Broome’s journey to the NBA Draft was a testament to his relentless work ethic, adaptability, and undeniable impact on the court. He began his collegiate career at Morehead State, where he quickly established himself as a dominant force in the Ohio Valley Conference. In two seasons there, he earned OVC Freshman of the Year honors, was a two-time All-OVC First-Team selection, and was named OVC Defensive Player of the Year. He showcased his ability to score, rebound, and block shots at a high level, tallying 986 points and 629 rebounds before deciding to transfer to Auburn.
His arrival at Auburn transformed the Tigers’ frontcourt. Under the tutelage of Coach Bruce Pearl, Broome elevated his game to new heights, becoming a consensus First-Team All-American in his final season (2024-25) and leading the Tigers to an unexpected Final Four appearance. In his three years with Auburn, he consistently proved himself as one of the most effective and versatile big men in college basketball.
In his final collegiate season, Broome’s numbers were stellar: he averaged 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game across 36 appearances. He not only led Auburn in points, rebounds, and blocks but also displayed a notable passing aptitude for a big man, evidenced by his impressive 1.81:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. His performance earned him the SEC Player of the Year award (joining Auburn legends Charles Barkley and Chris Porter), the Karl Malone Award (given to the nation’s best power forward), and The Sporting News Men’s College Basketball Player of the Year. He also achieved a truly historic feat, becoming the only player in NCAA Division I men’s basketball history to record 2,500 points, 1,500 rebounds, and 400 blocks in his career, combining his stats from both Morehead State and Auburn.
What makes Johni Broome an attractive prospect for the Philadelphia 76ers? His “NBA readiness” and polished game are significant factors. At 6-foot-9.25 (with a 7-foot-0.25-inch wingspan and 249 pounds), he possesses the physical tools to compete in the NBA’s paint. Scouts consistently highlight his interior scoring prowess, utilizing a diverse array of post moves, including hook shots, drop-steps, and fakes. He has a soft touch around the rim and can finish through contact, making him a reliable option in the low post. His high basketball IQ is another standout trait; he makes smart reads, understands defensive rotations, and knows when to pass out of a double-team.
On the defensive end, Broome is a disciplined and impactful rim protector. His shot-blocking numbers at the collegiate level were elite, and his presence alone forces opponents to adjust their shots. He’s also a relentless rebounder, particularly on the offensive glass, where he creates crucial second-chance opportunities for his team. His motor and effort are constant, reflecting a competitive spirit that will translate well to the professional game. As ESPN analyst Jay Bilas remarked, “He’s a winner. I get things done offensively and defensively. The 76ers got a good one.”
However, like any prospect, Broome also has areas for development. His perimeter shooting remains a significant question mark, as he shot below 28% from three-point range in his college career. In the modern NBA, centers and forwards are increasingly expected to space the floor, and Broome will need to develop a consistent outside shot. Concerns about his athletic pop and foot speed also exist. While strong and fundamentally sound, he lacks the explosive verticality and lateral quickness that some NBA bigs possess, which could limit his ability to switch effectively onto quicker guards on defense. Being an older prospect (he will turn 23 this summer), some question his long-term upside compared to younger, more raw talents.
Despite these concerns, the 76ers clearly valued Broome’s maturity, leadership, and immediate impact potential. Jonathan Wasserman, a Bleacher Report draft expert, gave the pick a favorable grade, noting, “Philly I think just really wanted an NBA player. Broome is an absolute leader. I’m going to give this a B+, I can’t be mad about this pick. He’s going to come in and he’s going to bring maturity. He’s not going to feel like a rookie on this team, and we’ve seen his skill level really1 expand over the last handful of years since transferring to Auburn.”
For the 76ers, Broome represents a different “flavor” of big man behind their superstar Joel Embiid. While they also drafted a more athletic big in Adem Bona in a previous draft, Broome offers a more skilled, post-oriented game and strong defensive fundamentals. His experience and ability to contribute immediately could make him a valuable rotation player, providing depth and a different look in the frontcourt.
Broome’s selection continues a proud tradition for Auburn basketball under Bruce Pearl. He becomes the seventh draft pick in the last seven years for Coach Pearl, joining a list that includes Chuma Okeke, Isaac Okoro, Sharife Cooper, J.T. Thor, Walker Kessler, and Jabari Walker. Furthermore, he is the 36th player in Auburn program history to be selected in the NBA Draft. His selection by Philadelphia carries a historical echo, as he is the first Auburn player drafted by the 76ers since the legendary Charles Barkley was chosen fifth overall in 1984 – a fitting connection for an SEC Player of the Year who now follows in Barkley’s footsteps to the City of Brotherly Love.
As Johni Broome embarks on his professional journey with the Philadelphia 76ers, he carries with him the pride of Auburn, a reputation as a relentless competitor, and a proven track record of elevating every team he’s played for. His story is a testament to the power of consistent effort, continuous improvement, and embracing the opportunity to impact the game on both ends of the floor. The NBA will now witness the determined forward from Auburn, ready to prove his worth at the highest level.
