BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Johni Broome made an immediate impact for Auburn as he sank a 3-pointer just over a minute into their game against No. 16 Purdue, signaling that his right shoulder was indeed in good condition. The second-ranked Tigers showcased their strength with an impressive 87-69 victory on Saturday. Broome’s early three-pointer helped ease any apprehensions regarding an injury that had limited him to just two minutes in a previous game against Georgia State a few days prior.
“I feel like that kind of gave me a little extra kick because I was still kind of unsure because I hadn’t been full-speed in a game,” Broome said, reflecting on how the crowd’s reaction boosted his confidence after the shot. The injury, which had the potential to sideline him, raised concerns for both Broome and the Auburn team, especially since he opted to return for another season after contemplating a jump to the NBA. There were mornings when he feared that he might not get back on the court.
With some time now to recuperate, Broome will look ahead to Auburn’s next matchup on December 30 against Monmouth. He recently earned recognition as the AP men’s college basketball player of the week, coming off an outstanding game where he registered 21 points, 20 rebounds, six assists, and three blocks in only 26 minutes against Ohio State, leading his team to a decisive 91-53 win.
Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl considers Broome a contender for national player of the year, and he was confident that Broome was ready to contribute after an initial rough patch on defense. “In his first rotation, he got scored on a couple of times,” Pearl noted. “But the great thing about it is we got on him, and he immediately responded, ‘I got you.’ Aside from that initial stint, he played exceptional defense the rest of the evening.”
Pearl emphasized that Broome was committed to playing from the get-go. Moreover, Dr. Benton Emblom, who provided medical clearance, indicated that if Broome were a football player for Auburn, he would have been on the field without hesitation, confirming that there was no risk of re-injury.
Purdue head coach Matt Painter also anticipated Broome’s strong performance. “He’s a great player,” Painter remarked. “We’ve produced a lot of outstanding big men, and when they get positioned effectively, it’s challenging if you don’t apply pressure through a double team.” He praised Broome and the Tigers, stating that “he’s the real deal, and they are too.”
