SAN ANTONIO – The stage here at the Final Four is the biggest in college basketball.
When he steps foot on the Alamodome court, however, the chip on Johni Broome’s shoulder likely will be even bigger. Auburn’s 6-foot-10 senior forward has been overlooked his entire life. Barely recruited out of high school, Broome started his career at Morehead State, which competes in the Ohio Valley Conference. Many coaches didn’t envision Broome getting on a Division I court, let alone one that will crown the national champion on Monday evening.
“I’ve been kind of overlooked my whole life,” Broome said on Friday. “Still have a chip on my shoulder. It does add a little extra fire.”
Broome’s rags-to-riches rise is one of several intriguing storylines for the Tigers (32-5), who square off with SEC rival Florida (34-4) in the opening game at 6:09 p.m. Duke and Houston will play in the nightcap in this highly anticipated conclusion to the season that matches all four No. 1 seeds in the Final Four.
Broome might have been the only person who could have anticipated being the leading scorer (18.7 points per game) and rebounder (10.9) on the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament. Only then-Morehead State coach Preston Spradlin, now at James Madison, believed that there was that kind of potential from the Plant City, Florida native in high school. “He saw something in me,” Broome said.
After two excellent years there, Broome transferred to Pearl’s program and has become one of the finest players in program history. Broome dominated Michigan State in the Tigers’ 70-64 victory over the Spartans in the Elite Eight on Sunday, with 25 points and 14 rebounds for his 21st double-double of the season. Those totals likely would have been greater if not for a scary-looking, second-half arm injury incurred as he braced for a fall.
Auburn coach Bruce Pearl believes Broome’s unique background has helped set him up for success. “When you get a guy that’s been overlooked, he’s more appreciative, more grateful for the opportunity,” Pearl said. “And then he goes to work every day trying to prove people wrong. He’s always been second-guessed. Coming to Auburn he wasn’t fast enough, quick enough, didn’t jump high enough, game wouldn’t translate, lack of athleticism.”
But Broome, the only player in NCAA Division I history with 2,500 points, 1,500 rebounds and 400 blocks, has overcome any doubters with skill and intangibles. “A combination of inner confidence and a little bit of a chip on his shoulder,” Pearl said.
Aaron Bracy has covered sports in Philadelphia for The Associated Press and several other outlets for nearly three decades. His website, Big5Hoops.com, is a leading voice for coverage of the Philadelphia Big 5. His first book, A Soaring Season: The Incredible, Inspiring Story of the 2003–04 Saint Joseph’s Hawks (Brookline), will be available wherever books are sold on March 1, 2025. It can be preordered by clicking HERE. Follow Bracy on social media by clicking HERE. Contact him by email: aaron@big5hoops.com.
