AUBURN, Ala. – Of the four newcomers, Johni Broome is the only one with college basketball experience. Broome played at Morehead State last year where he led the team with 16 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. He also set the program's single season blocked shot record with 131, earning OVC Defensive Player of the Year honors.
This season, Broome comes to Auburn where he will look to fill the void left inside by first-round draft picks Walker Kessler and Jabari Smith.
Favorite movie? Love and Basketball
Favorite food? Seafood Boil
Pre-game playlist? Lil Poppa, Lil Durk, Lil Baby, Rod Wave G Herbo, Yungeen Ace
Favorite video game? Madden
What is your major? Sociology
Nicknames? Big Dog, JB4
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
Broome: Before we go into the locker room every time, I do a left-hand layup, I do a right-hand layup and then I dunk. I've done that the last three years.
What is something people don't know about you?
Broome: I'm a music guy. I love music. Sometimes I just go to my car and listen to music.
When did you first start playing basketball?
Broome: 9 years old. I played football my whole life, since I was like 4, and then I stopped playing in high school. At 9, I started playing basketball and realized that's what I wanted to do. I started taking that more seriously when I got to 6-foot-5, 6-6.
Describe Bruce Pearl in one word.
Broome: You can't describe BP in one word. You've got to give him a whole bunch of characteristics. Leader. Believer. Energetic. Passionate. Caring. He's a great man all around.
What made you choose Auburn?
Broome: Just the coaching staff, the players. I came and played here with Morehead State the first game of the season last year, and just seeing how the Jungle was rocking and jumping, everybody was going crazy. When my recruitment started happening and Bruce (Pearl) gave me a call, I could just hear in his voice how important I was to the Auburn culture. He talked to me, and we built a relationship. I built one with all the coaches, especially Steven (Pearl). He recruited me, so I talked to him a lot. When I came on my visit, just seeing how genuine they were and what good guys they were, it made my decision.
Coming from the OVC, what are you looking forward to most about playing at Auburn?
Broome: Just being able to play at the highest level of competition and still showcasing my skills and helping my team win each and every night. I think that's the biggest thing because obviously it's harder to win at a higher level.
Wendell Green Jr. came from the OVC, too. Do you remember playing against him?
Broome: Yeah, Wen and I had a couple epic battles. We played three times. We won two out of three. He won the first time. I think he had like 16 or 17. The second time he had an off game, and my team did better. And then we met in the (conference) semifinals, and that was a close game. He had like 30 or 32. We were up 10 points with five minutes left, and he came back by himself basically. He tied it up with a minute left, and I was like, 'Oh my gosh, this dude is crazy.' He's pulling up from deep, he gets to the rim, he does it all.
What was the biggest highlight for you from the Israel trip?
Broome: Just going and seeing the Holy Land and experiencing that with my teammates. In the summer, we were still trying to learn about each other and become a better team and get better chemistry. Going to that special place, we let that be a way to build chemistry and get to know each other a little better. And playing in front of the Israel people was special because after the games they know your name, they want autograph and your jersey. We're kind of inspiring them as well, and just to be able to have that impact on those Israel kids was special.
How have you seen this year's team come together?
Broome: I think we're coming together very well. If you're ever in the locker room, we're always joking with each other. Before the game, we're joking with each other. But it's all love at the end of the day. If one of us is down or needs something from one another, he can call on not just one guy on the team but probably seven or eight guys on the team. That's with everybody. Even with our walk-ons and our scout team, we're all the same team. There's no difference between anybody. We all hang out together.
What do you bring to the team? How would you describe your game?
Broome: I'm excited to show the fans and everyone my skill set. Part of me coming to Auburn with BP was to expand my game. Everybody knows I have the back-to-the-basket game, kind of the old-school game, but I want to showcase a little more. Moving a little bit better, guarding 1 through 5. Still rebounding at a high level, blocking shots, but at the same time, I want to expand my range, be able to shoot the 3 ball.
What's the goal for you and for this team for the upcoming season?
Broome: To win. Auburn won the regular season title last year, and I want to keep that going and run it back. I want to win in March Madness. I just want to win. And I think everybody on this team wants to win. We're going to compete each and every night. We're going to bring energy, we're going to bring fire, and we're going to put on a show. But at the end of the day, when the clock hits 0:00, we want to be celebrating.