Johni Broome impressed college crowds with his talents at Auburn University. His elite skillset not only garnered him national recognition as one of the best college stars in the country but also earned him a second-round draft selection from the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 76ers selected Broome with the 35th pick during the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft on Thursday night. They saw his remarkable ability to play against players in the frontcourt, an area that Philadelphia needs plenty of assurance with.
Broome reflected on the team drafting him during his interview with Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. He was happy to know that Philadelphia was highly positive about his basketball talent, seeing him as a great fit to their plans for the future.
“I think we’re here to play basketball. They thought I was a good basketball player. All the things that go inside of it can be taken however you wanna take it,” Broome said.
“But at the end of the day, we’re still playing basketball. So I think I contribute to winning. I’m a good teammate. I’m a good guy to have in an organization. So I think that’s why they chose a guy like me.”
What’s Next For Johni Broome, 76ers
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 30: Johni Broome #4 of the Auburn Tigers cuts down the net after defeating the Michigan State Spartans in the South Regional Elite Eight round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at State Farm Arena on March 30, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Johni Broome had an incredible career throughout his time in college. He initially starred at Morehead State, collecting multiple awards in the OVC.
Broome left the Eagles after two seasons, transferring to the Auburn Tigers in 2022. He represented them as one of their best players for the last three years of his career, proving why he deserved to be in the conversation as one of the country’s elite players.
Broome ended his collegiate career on a high note. He averaged 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game after 36 appearances. He shot 51% from the field, including 27.8% from beyond the arc, and 58.7% from the free-throw line.
His incredible performances helped Auburn reach the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. They bowed out of the national semifinals after losing to the eventual champions in the Florida Gators. Despite the loss, he ended his season with multiple awards, including National Player of the Year, All-American honors, SEC Player of the Year, and the Karl Malone Award.
Philadelphia is coming off a brutal 2024-25 season in which they finished with a 24-58 record. Injuries heavily lowered their floor and ceiling, especially to Joel Embiid, Paul George and rookie star Jared McCain.
The 76ers have yet to return to the East Finals, something they haven’t done since 2001. Throughout the Embiid era, they made the second round five times but have failed to get over the hump.
They will enter Year 2 of having Embiid, George and Tyrese Maxey as their star trio. While they haven’t had much time on the court together due to the injuries, the potential they have when they are available remains positive. Add Broome into the equation as he adjusts to life in the NBA, and Philadelphia could be a team to watch out for next season.
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