Center Johni Broome was selected No. 35 overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2025 NBA Draft. In what he has become an anomaly in today’s college basketball landscape, the big man played five years in college. He spent the first two years at Morehead State before spending the final three years of his collegiate career as a member of the Auburn Tigers. He helped the Tigers earn the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament earlier this year.
Broome came into his own with the Tigers over the last two seasons. He was especially good during the 2024-2025 season. He was a finalist for the John Wooden Award, a consensus All-American, SEC Player of the Year, an All-SEC performer, and a member of the SEC All-Defensive Team. How will Broome fit with the Philadelphia 76ers?
Broome joins a Sixers team that fell short of their championship aspirations this past season. This is a shrewd move by Team President Daryl Morey. It will the team an insurance policy for oft-injured superstar Joel Embiid. Philadelphia has other talented players on their roster including Point Guard Tyrese Maxey and veteran Forward Paul George. There are worse teams for a rookie to find himself on than the Philadelphia 76ers.
It is unclear how well Broome’s skillset will translate in the National Basketball Association. He is not an explosive athlete. That could hamper his effectiveness at the next level. He also must improve his shooting in the pros. He shot only 30.2% from three-point range in college. It is difficult to project the success of a great college player at the next level, but Broome has the pedigree to be a solid pro.
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