Auburn superstar Johni Broome made history on March 18, 2025, becoming the first player from Auburn University to be named to the Associated Press (AP) All-American First Team. This announcement also recognized the exceptional talent of Duke's Cooper Flagg, who joined Broome as a unanimous selection, each receiving all 61 first-place votes from national media members.
Broome's remarkable season stands out not only because of this honor but also due to his incredible performance on the court. The senior forward averaged 18.9 points per game, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks this season, leading the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in rebounds and blocks. He is also known for his scoring prowess, finishing behind only Tre Johnson in points per game.
This recognition for Broome marks a significant milestone for Auburn basketball, as he becomes only the fourth player in the program's history to earn All-American honors and the first to be elevated to a First Team selection. Notably, he was previously recognized on the AP All-American Third Team last season, making this an impressive back-to-back achievement; he is alongside Auburn legend Chuck Person, who accomplished this feat in 1984-85 and 1985-86.
Broome's recognition is even more impressive, considering his role in leading the Auburn Tigers to a phenomenal season, finishing with a 28-5 record and earning the overall No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. His contributions have been pivotal to the team's success, evolving into a leader as they prepare for their march into the tournament. "When the team shines, everyone shines individually. Coming from where I came from, it means a lot to me," Broome expressed, conveying his commitment to focusing on team goals above individual accolades.
Alongside Broome on the First Team are Alabama’s Mark Sears, Purdue’s Braden Smith, and Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr., each recognized for their exceptional skills throughout the season. Sears is averaging 18.7 points and 4.9 assists per game for Alabama, whose team earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament.
Reflecting on Broome's talent, Duke coach Jon Scheyer stated, "He's doing things nobody really has ever done before. And he's not about numbers." This comment emphasizes Broome's balanced approach to the game, where individual stats are secondary to his contribution to the team's overall performance.
As the NCAA tournament prepares to kick off, Broome's aspirations extend beyond individual honors; he is determined to lead the Tigers to their first-ever national championship title. Auburn will face either Alabama State or Saint Francis in their opening game on March 20, slated for 1:50 p.m. CST. With the momentum of this personal accolade backing them, the Tigers are focused and energized as they gear up for their upcoming challenges.
In response to his historic moment, Broome stated, "I've proved a lot individually through my career, but my main goal is a team goal, which is to win the national championship." His words underscore a commitment that extends beyond personal recognition and reflects a deep sense of loyalty to his teammates and the program.
Broome's journey to the First Team has been paved with hard work and dedication, transitioning from a solid performance at Morehead State before transferring to Auburn, where he truly excelled. With accolades stacking up and a supporting cast in place, Broome is poised not just for a memorable tournament run, but potentially to capture national acclaim as the AP Player of the Year, should he continue his strong performance on the big stage.
The recognition from the AP validates not only Broome's individual efforts but also highlights the growing prominence of Auburn basketball in the traditional college basketball landscape. As the program now has an All-American for three of the last four seasons, the trajectory points toward sustained success in both individual and team achievements moving forward.
