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Auburn Receives Major Recruiting News After Losing Johni Broome

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Apr 16, 2025 1:45 PM ET

The Auburn Tigers have stood atop the SEC standings in the college basketball landscape for quite some time.

Head coach Bruce Pearl continues to help Auburn compete for national titles and SEC titles, while having success in the recruiting realm.

On Wednesday, Auburn picked up a big-time commitment, helping replace the contributions of the team's leading rebounder and Naismith National Player of the Year finalist Johni Broome.

Pearl and his staff received a commitment from Emeka Opurum, a 7-foot center who is coming off a successful season at the junior college level.

Upon the release of the news, Opurum took to social media, sharing his excitement with fans.

"I want to thank God for this opportunity and his direction this past year which helped me grow on and off the court," Opurum said. "Thank you to my teammates, coaches, trainers and teachers at Butler College and in Nigeria! I would like to announce my commitment to Auburn University!"

I want to thank God for this opportunity and his direction this past year which helped me grow on and off the court. Thank you to my teammates, coaches, trainers and teachers at Butler College and in Nigeria! I would like to announce my commitment to Auburn University! #WDE pic.twitter.com/pkg1qk3COv
— Emeka Opurum (@mekooo_34) April 16, 2025

Opurum was one of the more intriguing prospects out of the junior college level. Out of Butler Community College, Opurum was named the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Defensive Player of the Year during his freshman season, per Jeff Rabjohns at 247Sports.

Last season, Opurum averaged 9.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game.

Opurum will help replace Auburn's leading rebounder Johni Broome, a menace inside the paint. As mentioned, Broome was the runner-up for the Naismith Player of the Year, losing the prestigious award to none other than Duke's Cooper Flagg.

In his final season with the Auburn Tigers, Broome averaged 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.

Broome is now headed to the 2025 NBA draft.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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