In a moment that will be etched into the rich basketball legacy of Auburn University, Johni Broome, the former Tigers standout, has elevated his journey from college stardom to the professional ranks by being selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2025 NBA Draft. With this milestone, Broome has officially joined the exclusive group of Auburn greats to hear their names called on draft night, cementing both his personal achievements and the growing reputation of Auburn basketball on the national stage.
For Broome, the road to the NBA wasn’t handed on a silver platter—it was forged through perseverance, tireless work ethic, and an unrelenting belief in his abilities. His journey, which began in Plant City, Florida, took him from relative obscurity to becoming a dominant force in college basketball and now to the doorstep of one of the league’s most storied franchises.
Broome’s selection by the 76ers is significant not only for the player himself but also for Auburn University and its basketball program. In recent years, the Tigers have steadily transformed from an SEC afterthought to a legitimate NBA talent pipeline, with players like Chuma Okeke, Isaac Okoro, JT Thor, Jabari Smith Jr., and Walker Kessler all making their mark at the next level. With Broome now joining that list, Auburn’s momentum on the national basketball landscape continues to surge.
Standing at 6-foot-10 with a formidable 240-pound frame, Broome embodies the modern NBA big man: versatile, physical, and increasingly comfortable operating on both ends of the floor. Throughout his collegiate career, Broome built a reputation as a relentless rebounder, elite shot-blocker, and interior scorer with a soft touch and growing perimeter game—traits that caught the attention of NBA scouts over the past two seasons.
Broome initially began his college career at Morehead State, where he quickly established himself as a dominant presence in the Ohio Valley Conference. His breakout performances earned him conference accolades and national recognition, but it was his decision to transfer to Auburn that propelled him into the national spotlight.
Under the guidance of head coach Bruce Pearl, Broome flourished. In the hyper-competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC), Broome consistently held his own against the nation’s best, showcasing his defensive prowess, scoring versatility, and leadership on the court. His presence in the paint anchored Auburn’s defense, while his offensive skillset expanded, making him a consistent double-double threat.
During his senior campaign, Broome averaged an impressive 17.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, leading the Tigers to another NCAA Tournament appearance and further solidifying his NBA draft stock. Perhaps more importantly, his ability to elevate his performance in big moments demonstrated the mental toughness and competitive edge that NBA teams covet.
Broome’s performances against ranked opponents in the SEC, coupled with his improved shooting touch and defensive impact, made him an attractive prospect for teams seeking frontcourt depth and defensive versatility. It was no surprise that the 76ers, known for valuing defensive-minded bigs and frontcourt contributors, saw Broome as an ideal fit for their system.
Philadelphia’s selection of Broome also symbolizes a strategic move aimed at bolstering their roster with young, high-upside talent capable of contributing immediately. The 76ers, led by perennial All-Star Joel Embiid, have long emphasized strong interior play, shot-blocking, and rebounding—all of which align with Broome’s strengths. While Embiid remains the franchise centerpiece, adding a player like Broome provides much-needed depth, injury insurance, and development potential as the Sixers continue their pursuit of championship contention.
For Broome, the opportunity to learn from Embiid and play within a system that emphasizes big-man excellence is invaluable. The transition to the NBA is notoriously challenging, particularly for frontcourt players adapting to the speed, physicality, and complexity of the professional game. However, Broome’s defensive instincts, work ethic, and basketball IQ position him well for long-term success in the league.
In his post-selection remarks, Broome expressed gratitude for his journey and excitement for the next chapter.
“This is a dream come true,” Broome shared. “Growing up, making it to the NBA felt like an impossible goal, but through hard work, faith, and the support of my family and coaches, I’m here. I want to thank Auburn University for believing in me and shaping me into the player and person I am today. And to the city of Philadelphia, I can’t wait to get to work and give everything I’ve got.”
The celebration of Broome’s draft night extends well beyond Philadelphia and Auburn, reaching his hometown community, where his rise to the NBA serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for young athletes. Broome’s story underscores the value of resilience, development, and patience—a testament to the idea that success isn’t always immediate but is always possible with dedication.
For Auburn, Broome’s selection is another feather in the cap of Bruce Pearl’s growing legacy. Pearl has transformed the Tigers into one of the SEC’s premier basketball programs, consistently developing players for the next level while competing for conference titles and NCAA Tournament success. Broome’s ascent from Morehead State transfer to Auburn star to NBA draft pick embodies Pearl’s philosophy of player development and opportunity.
It also signals to future recruits that Auburn is a legitimate pathway to the NBA—a place where talent is nurtured, and dreams become reality. With each new draft pick, Auburn’s reputation strengthens, making it an increasingly attractive destination for top prospects seeking to develop their game under the national spotlight.
From an historical perspective, Broome’s selection places him among an exclusive fraternity of Auburn players to reach the NBA, a list that includes legends and rising stars alike. It reflects both his individual journey and the broader rise of Auburn basketball in recent years.
Looking ahead, the expectations for Broome in Philadelphia will be significant, but so too are the opportunities. His combination of size, mobility, rim protection, and rebounding gives him the potential to carve out a valuable role within the 76ers’ rotation. With time, mentorship, and continued development, Broome could evolve into a key contributor, anchoring second units, protecting the rim, and providing reliable frontcourt depth behind Embiid.
Moreover, Broome’s personality, humility, and dedication to improvement align well with the culture the 76ers have worked to cultivate—a team-first mentality built on accountability and hard work. Fans in Philadelphia, known for their passionate and demanding support, will likely embrace Broome’s blue-collar approach and commitment to growth.
While the NBA journey is just beginning for Johni Broome, the foundation has been firmly laid through years of preparation, adversity, and triumph. His draft night is a culmination of countless hours in the gym, the unwavering support of family and mentors, and an unrelenting belief in his potential.
From Plant City to Auburn, and now to Philadelphia, Broome’s basketball odyssey serves as an inspiring reminder that dreams, no matter how distant, are achievable through perseverance and purpose.
For Auburn fans, it’s another proud moment to celebrate one of their own reaching the game’s highest stage. For the 76ers, it’s an investment in talent, potential, and character. And for Johni Broome, it’s just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting professional career filled with opportunity, challenges, and the pursuit of excellence.
The NBA spotlight now shines on Broome, and if his past is any indication, he’s ready to rise to the occasion.
