Johni Broome Bio
Johni Broome is an American professional basketball player who currently serves as a power forward for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association. Born on July 19, 2002, in Plant City, Florida, Broome has rapidly ascended through the ranks of college basketball, earning numerous accolades before being selected in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft. His journey from a high school prospect in Florida to an NBA player reflects his dedication to the sport and his development as a versatile big man capable of impacting games on both ends of the floor.
Early Life and Background
Johni Broome grew up in Plant City, Florida, where he attended Plant City High School. During his time there, he experienced a significant growth spurt, adding approximately six inches to his frame over the span of two years. This physical transformation proved instrumental in shaping his future as a post player at the collegiate level. Following his graduation from Plant City High School, Broome transferred to Tampa Catholic High School in Tampa, Florida, to continue his high school basketball career and further develop his skills.
As a senior at Tampa Catholic High School, Broome showcased his potential by averaging 19.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. His dominant performance earned him the recognition of Hillsborough County Player of the Year, solidifying his status as a highly-touted prospect. His impressive high school career attracted attention from multiple college programs, ultimately leading him to choose Morehead State over offers from Florida Atlantic, Georgia Southern, Jacksonville, and Bryant.
Path to Basketball
Broome began his collegiate journey at Morehead State University in the fall of 2020. He entered the program during a challenging time when key player Tyzhun Claude suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during practice before the season began. This adversity created an immediate opportunity for Broome to assume a significant role on the team, and he embraced the challenge with remarkable composure for a freshman.
His inaugural collegiate season proved exceptional. Broome earned Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year honors and secured First Team All-OVC recognition. He demonstrated his consistency by being named OVC Freshman of the Week nine times, breaking the program record previously held by Kenneth Faried, who had earned the accolade eight times. On March 6, 2021, he delivered a standout performance in the OVC tournament final, posting 27 points and 12 rebounds in an 86-71 victory over top-seeded Belmont. His efforts earned him tournament MVP honors. For the season, Broome averaged 13.8 points, nine rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game.
Johni Broome Career
Morehead State Eagles (2020-2022)
Following his breakout freshman campaign, Broome continued to develop his game during his sophomore season at Morehead State. He elevated his production across the board, averaging 16.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, and an impressive 3.9 blocks per game. His defensive presence became a defining characteristic of his game, as his shot-blocking ability anchored the Eagles’ defense.
Broome’s outstanding performance earned him another First Team All-OVC selection, and he was recognized as the OVC Defensive Player of the Year. His back-to-back First Team All-Conference selections demonstrated his consistency and reliability as a premier player in the conference. On April 4, 2022, Broome entered the transfer portal, signaling his intention to pursue new opportunities at a different program. His decision attracted significant attention from major programs across the country.
Auburn Tigers (2022-2025)
After exploring his options, Broome announced on April 30, 2022, that he would be transferring to Auburn University to join the Tigers program. The decision represented a significant step up in competition, as Auburn competes in the Southeastern Conference, widely regarded as one of the premier basketball conferences in the nation. Broome’s choice to join Auburn over other suitors demonstrated his confidence in the program’s ability to help him reach his full potential.
His junior season at Auburn in 2023-24 marked his emergence as one of the top players in the SEC. Broome earned Second-team All-SEC honors and was selected to the SEC All-Defensive Team, highlighting his two-way contributions. He was named SEC Tournament MVP after helping lead the Tigers to the conference championship. His performance helped establish Auburn as a legitimate national contender heading into the postseason.
The 2024-25 season represented the pinnacle of Broome’s collegiate career. He led the Auburn Tigers in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks, showcasing his all-around versatility as a player. His dominance earned him The Sporting News Men’s College Basketball Player of the Year award, the SEC Player of the Year award, and consensus first-team All-American honors. He also won the Pete Newell Big Man Award, given to the top big man in college basketball, and the Karl Malone Award, presented to the top power forward in the nation. These accolades cemented his status as one of the most accomplished players in Auburn basketball history.
Philadelphia 76ers Era (2025-Present)
Following his decorated college career, Broome declared for the 2025 NBA Draft. His selection by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 35th overall pick in the second round represented the realization of his lifelong dream to play in the NBA. The Auburn Tigers product joined an organization with a rich history of developing talent and competing for championships.
Broome’s professional debut came during pre-season action against the New York Knicks in Abu Dhabi, where he scored four points and recorded six rebounds in limited minutes. Following his selection, he was assigned to the Delaware Blue Coats, Philadelphia’s G League affiliate, to continue his development and gain valuable professional experience. The assignment allowed him to acclimate to the professional game while working on his skills in a competitive environment.
Driving Style and Strengths
Broome has established himself as a versatile power forward capable of impacting games in multiple facets. His size and length make him a formidable presence in the paint on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he possesses a developing offensive repertoire that includes post moves, mid-range shooting, and the ability to finish through contact. Defensively, his shot-blocking ability and rebounding instincts stand out as particularly valuable assets. His capacity to guard multiple positions adds strategic value to any lineup he joins.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Broome has accumulated numerous individual awards at both the conference and national levels. His collection of accolades includes OVC Freshman of the Year, OVC Defensive Player of the Year, SEC Player of the Year, and multiple All-American selections. His journey from high school standout to college star to NBA player represents a remarkable trajectory of continuous improvement and achievement at every level of competition.
Johni Broome Career Wins
Broome’s collegiate career produced numerous team and individual accomplishments across two programs. At Morehead State, he helped the Eagles compete for conference championships while earning back-to-back First Team All-OVC honors. At Auburn, his contributions were instrumental in the Tigers’ success, culminating in an SEC Tournament championship and a top seed in the NCAA Division I tournament during his senior season.
Auburn Tigers Highlights
Broome’s tenure at Auburn produced significant team success, with the Tigers achieving their highest national ranking in program history during his senior season. His individual performance earned him the distinction of becoming Auburn’s first SEC Player of the Year since 1999. The combination of his statistical dominance and leadership helped transform Auburn into a national championship contender during his final collegiate season.
Other Wins and Performances
Prior to his time at Auburn, Broome established himself as one of the top players in the Ohio Valley Conference during his two seasons at Morehead State. His back-to-back First Team All-OVC selections and OVC Defensive Player of the Year honor reflected his dominance in the conference. His tournament MVP performance in the 2021 OVC Championship game highlighted his ability to elevate his play when the stakes were highest.
Johni Broome Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Broome comes from an athletic family with connections to collegiate sports. His older brother, John Broome Jr., played college football for Florida International University, demonstrating the family’s competitive spirit and athletic ability across multiple sports. This family background likely contributed to Broome’s development as a student-athlete and his understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest levels of collegiate athletics.
Personal Life
Outside of basketball, Broome has spoken openly about his Christian faith, which serves as an important foundation in his life. He has credited his religious beliefs with providing him strength and perspective throughout his athletic career. In interviews, Broome has noted that his favorite NBA player is James Harden, whose creative scoring ability and basketball IQ have influenced his own approach to the game. These personal details provide insight into the values and inspirations that have shaped his journey as a basketball player.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025-26 season marks Broome’s rookie year in the National Basketball Association following his selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. Transitioning from the college game to the professional ranks presents unique challenges for any young player, and Broome has approached this adjustment with dedication and hard work. His assignment to the Delaware Blue Coats early in the season provided him with valuable opportunities to develop his game against experienced professional players while working with the coaching staff to refine his skills.
Broome’s professional journey reflects the typical path for many second-round draft picks, who often need time to adjust to the speed and physicality of NBA competition. The Philadelphia 76ers organization has shown a commitment to player development, and Broome’s combination of size, skill, and basketball intelligence suggests he has the tools to contribute at the NBA level in time. His experience in the SEC against top competition should help accelerate his adjustment to professional basketball.