In an emotional and unexpected announcement, Auburn Tigers star forward Johni Broome has officially declared his departure from the program, leaving fans stunned and grateful after two incredible seasons on The Plains.
Broome, a cornerstone of Bruce Pearl’s squad and one of the most dominant big men in college basketball, shared a heartfelt message on social media Monday morning confirming that he will be declaring for the NBA Draft and beginning the next chapter of his basketball journey.
“Auburn will always be home,” Broome wrote. “This program, this fan base, and this university have changed my life. I came here with a dream, and thanks to Coach Pearl, my teammates, and every single Tiger fan, that dream has grown even bigger.”
Broome’s impact at Auburn was immediate. After transferring from Morehead State in 2022, he quickly established himself as a dominant force in the SEC, earning All-SEC honors and becoming one of the most reliable two-way players in the nation. This past season, he averaged 16.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game, anchoring the Tigers’ frontcourt and helping lead them to another NCAA Tournament appearance.
His message was met with an outpouring of support from Auburn fans, coaches, and teammates, many of whom referred to him as not just a great player — but a great ambassador for Auburn basketball.
Head coach Bruce Pearl released a statement praising Broome, saying:
“Johni has been one of the most special players I’ve ever coached. He brought toughness, leadership, and heart every single day. We’re proud of him, and we’ll be cheering him on every step of the way.”
Broome’s departure, while anticipated by some draft insiders, still marks the end of a memorable era for the Tigers. His presence on and off the court helped elevate Auburn’s national profile and inspired younger players to embrace the program’s values of grit, teamwork, and excellence.
“This isn’t goodbye — this is see you later,” Broome added. “Thank you for believing in me. War Eagle, always.”
As he now prepares for the NBA Draft and pre-draft process, Broome leaves behind a powerful legacy — one built on hard work, humility, and an unshakable connection to the Auburn family.
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