As of January 2025, Auburn basketball is in the midst of another competitive season in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), with the Tigers striving for a strong finish. A key storyline that has emerged recently is the status of forward Johni Broome, whose performance has been integral to Auburn’s success. Broome’s ability to contribute both offensively and defensively has been a major factor in the team’s success, but an injury has put his status for the upcoming game against Mississippi State in question.
Johni Broome’s Importance to Auburn Basketball
Before delving into the details of Broome’s injury, it’s important to understand his role on the team. Broome, a senior forward, has been a standout player for Auburn over the past few seasons. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, while also being a force on the boards, has made him one of the Tigers’ most versatile players. Broome’s combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ allows him to impact the game in multiple ways.
Offensively, Broome has developed into a reliable scorer both inside and outside the paint. His mid-range shooting and ability to finish through contact make him difficult to defend against. He also has excellent footwork in the post, enabling him to score against taller defenders. Defensively, Broome is known for his shot-blocking ability, his rebounding skills, and his leadership on that side of the ball.
Broome’s versatility and leadership make him one of Auburn’s most valuable players. So, when he went down with an injury, it raised significant concerns about the team’s ability to perform without him.
The Injury: What Happened to Johni Broome?
The injury in question occurred during a recent SEC matchup. In the second half of the game, Broome appeared to land awkwardly after a rebound. He immediately grabbed his knee, prompting concerns that it could be a serious injury. The team’s medical staff quickly rushed to check on Broome, and he was escorted to the bench with visible discomfort. He did not return to the game, and following the game, it was reported that Broome was undergoing further evaluation to determine the extent of the injury.
Initial reports suggested that Broome might have suffered a knee sprain, though there was speculation that it could be something more serious, such as a ligament injury or meniscus tear. These types of injuries can often sideline players for extended periods, making Broome’s status for future games uncertain. The uncertainty surrounding his injury has led to anxiety among Auburn fans, who are hoping for positive news that will allow Broome to return to the court quickly.
Auburn’s Response and Timeline for Recovery
Following the injury, Auburn’s athletic staff worked diligently to assess the extent of the damage. Broome underwent an MRI to determine whether there was any structural damage to the knee. The results of the MRI have not been publicly disclosed as of this writing, though sources close to the team have indicated that the injury is not as severe as initially feared.
Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl addressed the situation in a press conference shortly after the injury, offering a cautiously optimistic update. Pearl acknowledged that while Broome’s injury was a concern, he believed that Broome’s toughness and determination would help him recover quickly. Pearl also noted that the medical staff would continue to monitor Broome’s progress, and that the team would make decisions about his availability for upcoming games based on his recovery.
While there is still no official timeline for Broome’s return, it is possible that he could be available for Auburn’s next game against Mississippi State, depending on how his knee responds to treatment. If Broome does return, it is likely that he will be on a minutes restriction or may not play a full game, especially if there is any risk of further injury.
Impact on Auburn’s Lineup and Strategy
If Broome is unable to play against Mississippi State, Auburn will need to adjust its lineup and game plan accordingly. Broome’s absence would leave a significant void in both the frontcourt and overall team dynamics. Auburn relies heavily on Broome’s rebounding, scoring, and leadership, so his absence would force the Tigers to make adjustments.
In Broome’s place, Auburn could turn to backup forwards and big men, such as Yohan Traoré or Dillon Cardwell, to take on a more significant role. Both players have shown flashes of potential this season, but they have not yet demonstrated the same level of consistency as Broome. Traoré, for instance, is a talented young forward with great upside, but he still lacks the experience and polish that Broome brings to the court. Cardwell, on the other hand, is a strong and athletic center who can provide a defensive presence in the paint, but he is not as skilled offensively as Broome.
Auburn could also look to increase the role of their perimeter players, such as Wendell Green Jr. and Allen Flanigan, to help carry the offensive load in Broome’s absence. Green, in particular, is a dynamic point guard who excels in fast-paced situations and can score efficiently. Flanigan, a seasoned wing, has the ability to score both inside and outside, and his leadership and experience would be critical in filling some of the gaps left by Broome.
Additionally, coach Bruce Pearl could modify his game plan to rely more on guard-heavy lineups or play a faster pace to compensate for the lack of a traditional forward. This would allow the Tigers to utilize their speed and shooting to offset the absence of Broome’s inside presence.
Mississippi State’s Challenge
Mississippi State presents a unique challenge for Auburn, even if Broome is healthy and able to play. The Bulldogs are a tough, defensively-minded team that excels at controlling the tempo of the game. They are known for their physicality and have a strong frontcourt that can present problems for any opponent. If Broome is unavailable, Mississippi State may be able to exploit Auburn’s lack of a dominant inside presence, making it even more crucial for the Tigers to adjust their strategy.
Mississippi State also has talented players such as Tolu Smith and DJ Jeffries, who can be game-changers in the paint and on the glass. Auburn will need to match Mississippi State’s physicality and ensure that they do not get outworked in the post. If Broome is not available, it will be even more important for players like Traoré, Cardwell, and the guards to step up and help Auburn compete on the boards and in the paint.
Will Johni Broome Play vs. Mississippi State?
As of now, there is no definitive answer to whether Johni Broome will be available for Auburn’s next game against Mississippi State. The decision will likely depend on how Broome’s knee responds to treatment over the next few days. Given the importance of the game and the high stakes in the SEC race, both Broome and the Auburn coaching staff will likely err on the side of caution to ensure that he is fully recovered before returning to the court.
If Broome is cleared to play, Auburn fans can expect him to make an impact, though there may be limitations on his minutes and mobility if he is still recovering from the injury. If Broome is unable to play, Auburn will need to rely on their depth and versatility to compete against a tough Mississippi State team. Regardless of Broome’s status, Auburn will need to play with intensity and execute their game plan to secure a win.
