AUBURN, Ala. – The Associated Press released its Southeastern Conference postseason award winners and the media agreed with the league’s coaches as SEC Coach and Player of the Year honors were bestowed upon Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl and senior All-American forward/center Johni Broome for the second day in a row on Tuesday.
Pearl is the fourth coach in program history to earn a nod from the AP next to Joel Eaves (1960), Sonny Smith (1984) and Cliff Ellis (1999). However, he is the only of the group to be named twice in 2022 and 2025.
“I am honored, but it’s not something you take for granted,” Pearl said. “We have won five championships in eight seasons and it’s the second time I’ve won coach of the year. It’s not automatic and a great compliment to my coaching staff – Steven Pearl, Ira Bowman, Corey Williams, Chad Prewett, Mike Burgomaster, Maddux Jeffreys, Ian Borders and Marquis Daniels. We’ve worked really hard to get our program to where it is. We do a terrific job and our players appreciate our winning culture on-and-off the court. God has blessed us far more than we deserve.”
Broome continues to receive his flowers as the best player in the country and league, receiving 15 of 16 votes from reporters who cover the SEC. He joined Charles Barkley (1984) and Chris Porter (1999) as the only Tigers to earn such an accolade from the AP.
“First off, all glory to God,” Broome said. “It is an honor and means a lot to be recognized by the coaches and the press as SEC Player of the Year. It shows the respect they have for me and the league, especially during such a historic season. It feels great to be a part of this team and the many accomplishments and records we have set together. It has definitely been a long journey, but it has been a good journey to do this alongside my coaches and teammates. I hope we can finish the season off strong and continue to make history.”
Broome was also a unanimous selection to the AP All-SEC First Team along with Walter Clayton Jr. of Florida, Tre Johnson of Texas, Chaz Lanier of Tennessee and Mark Sears of Alabama.
2025 ASSOCIATED PRESS SEC POSTSEASON HONORS
FIRST TEAM
Walter Clayton Jr., Florida
Tre Johnson, Texas
Chaz Lanier, Tennessee
Mark Sears, Alabama
Johni Broome, Auburn
SECOND TEAM
Josh Hubbard, Mississippi State
Wade Taylor IV, Texas A&M
Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee
Mark Mitchell, Missouri
Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina
INDIVIDUAL HONORS
Player of the Year — Johni Broome, Auburn
Coach of the Year — Bruce Pearl, Auburn
Newcomer of the Year — Tre Johnson, Texas