When the Philadelphia 76ers selected Johni Broome with the 35th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Auburn Tigers big man didn’t post a long caption or a flashy highlight reel. He simply shared a screenshot of the moment his name was called on the broadcast, and left it at that.
No words. Just the moment, and honestly, that said everything. Broome’s journey to the NBA wasn’t built on hype. It was built on work. From Morehead State to Auburn, from under-the-radar recruit to SEC Player of the Year, he’s carved out a path defined by grit, consistency, and quiet dominance. Now, he’s headed to Philadelphia, where his game and his mindset fit right in.
At 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot wingspan, Broome averaged 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.1 blocks last season while leading Auburn to the Final Four. He became the first Auburn player drafted by the Sixers since Charles Barkley in 1984.
He’s not a flashy above-the-rim guy, but he’s a technician in the paint. He carves out space, dominates the glass, and makes smart reads out of the high post. His five career NCAA Tournament double-doubles tie him with names like Shaquille O’Neal and Dan Issell for the most in SEC history.
With the Sixers looking to add toughness and rebounding depth, Broome could carve out a role early, especially with limited depth at the four.
But for now, he’s just soaking it in. No need for a speech. Just a quiet nod to the moment that changed everything.
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