Bruce Pearl Reacts to Major Johni Broome News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joshua Rosenblum | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 10:46 PM ET

In a thrilling moment for Auburn Tigers basketball, head coach Bruce Pearl couldn’t contain his excitement as one of his star players, Johni Broome, was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 35th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Pearl took to X with a resounding “Boom,” signaling his pride and enthusiasm for Broome’s achievement.

The post, which quoted an official Auburn Basketball graphic announcing the draft pick, marked a celebratory milestone for both the coach and the Auburn community.

Broome, a fifth-year senior and 2025 SEC Player of the Year, capped an extraordinary college career with averages of 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and 2.9 assists per game in the 2024-25 season.

His selection by the Sixers, a team hungry for talent in the City of Brotherly Love, underscores his reputation as a battle-tested, efficient big man with a traditional power forward build.

Pearl’s succinct reaction reflects the culmination of years of development, from Broome’s early days at Morehead State to his standout tenure under Pearl at Auburn.

The coach’s post sparked an outpouring of support on X, with fans and peers lauding Broome’s work ethic and potential.

Comments hailed him as a steal for the Sixers, echoing the sentiments of scouting reports that praise his interior finishing and defensive tone-setting, despite a shaky jumper.

As Auburn’s all-time winningest coach, Pearl has once again proven his knack for nurturing NBA-ready talent, adding to his legacy of elevating the Tigers’ program.

For Broome, this draft night marks the start of a promising NBA journey, with Pearl’s enthusiastic “Boom” echoing as a testament to their shared success.

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

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