“It hurts. This team was special.” Johni Broome’s words echoed through the Alamodome as Auburn’s dream season ended in a heartbreaking 79–73 loss to Florida in the Final Four. Broome stood still, hands on his knees, unable to process the end of a journey that had defined resilience and grit. Then, just when the Auburn faithful were beginning to absorb the sting of defeat, another blow came—Broome’s farewell.
“War Eagle,” he posted on April 9, but this time, it wasn’t a rallying cry. It was a goodbye.
Johni Broome, Auburn’s No. 4 and emotional anchor, has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft. It wasn’t just a roster update. It was a goodbye letter to a community he had come to call home, and a signal that Auburn’s era of Broome-led basketball was officially over. The Instagram caption was brief: “4 out.” But the message it carried was weighty.
“Before I arrived at Auburn, I had the privilege of spending two unforgettable years at Morehead State. I’m incredibly grateful for the coaches, teammates, and fans there who helped lay the foundation for my growth—on and off the court,” Broome began in his farewell message.
Those two seasons in Morehead State were Broome’s coming-of-age years. As a freshman, he posted 13.7 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, shooting an efficient 57% from the field. By his sophomore year, he upped those numbers to 16.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, and a dominant 3.9 blocks per contest, establishing himself as one of the most feared big men in mid-major basketball.
“To Coach Pearl and the entire staff – thank you for your guidance and unwavering belief in me. To my teammates – you’re my brothers for life. To the fans – thank you for packing The Jungle night after night and making Auburn truly feel like home.”
Broome’s loyalty and heart extended beyond the hardwood. He acknowledged those who shaped his path, saying, “To my parents and siblings – your endless love and support have meant everything. And to my hometown of Plant City, Florida – I carry you with me every step of the way. Most importantly, I thank God for answering my calls and guiding my journey to the 2025 NBA Draft.”
From Morehead State to Auburn, from underdog to hero, Broome had turned every court into his canvas. He painted pictures with footwork, balance, and timing. But now, he takes that brush ahead for the next chapter—the pros. And while Auburn will reload and fight again, nothing will quite replace No. 4.
Fans didn’t hold back. Comments flooded his post—some tearful, others thankful, all emotional. For many, it wasn’t just about losing a player. It was about saying goodbye to a brother, a warrior, a symbol of hope.
Auburn’s Crown Jewel: Fans react as Johni Broome says goodbye to a legendary run
One fan put it simply: “Thank you for the wonderful memories!!! You will always be one of the Greats in Auburn History!! ”
And yes—Broome now sits comfortably in the same breath as Auburn legend Charles Barkley. In fact, Barkley himself gave him the ultimate praise, signing off CBS’ broadcast of Florida’s 65-63 win over Houston in the Final Four with a bold declaration:
“Johni Broome is the greatest basketball player in Auburn history. I can’t wait to go down there and retire his jersey… He’s taken the throne, man.”
That sentiment echoed across Tiger Nation. Another fan wrote: “Will miss seeing you in that Auburn uniform, but also can’t wait to see what the future holds for you! The sky is the limit. Thanks for a wonderful time and War Eagle! ”
The Tigers roared through the 2024–25 season with a dominant 32-6 record, clinching the top spot in the SEC and steamrolling Florida in the conference finals, and at the heart of it all was Johni Broome. The senior big man was a force on both ends of the floor, averaging 18.6 points (49th nationally), 10.8 rebounds (8th), 2.9 assists, and shooting an efficient 51% from the field. His fingerprints were on every major moment of Auburn’s unforgettable run.
Syndication: The Montgomery Advertiser Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl talks with Auburn Tigers center Johni Broome 4 on the bench as Auburn Tigers take on Texas A&M Aggies at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. Auburn Tigers defeated Texas A&M Aggies 66-55. , EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJakexCrandallx USATSI_22258614
One fan captured the emotion perfectly: “I have enjoyed watching you play and mature as a player. Good luck in the future, you will always be an Auburn man!! ”
Indeed, Broome’s rise mirrored Auburn’s own climb to national prominence. In his first season (2022–23), the Tigers went 21–13 and reached the NCAA Round of 32. The next year, they improved to 27–8, tying for second in the SEC before an early tournament exit. But it all came together in 2024–25—Auburn finished 32–6, topped the SEC, and punched a ticket to the Final Four. And when adversity struck late in the season, Broome didn’t flinch—he rose higher.
Another fan added: “War Damn Eagle!!! Thank you for being an amazing man to look up to and wish you all the success in the NBA.”
After suffering an elbow injury during the Elite Eight matchup vs. Michigan State, he dove headfirst into rehab. With a sleeve on his right elbow, he told reporters:
“I kind of made it mad a little bit… but by Saturday, I’m going to be 100 percent.”
Head coach Bruce Pearl was cautiously optimistic:
“Well, I’m glad he feels that way,” Pearl smiled. “Today was the first day he moved and practiced, so I was glad to see him.”
One fan summed it up best: “I miss you already. But I’ll be watching you in the NBA. This was the all-time best Auburn basketball team. Period.”
And yes, Auburn will miss him.
They’ll also have a big decision ahead, as freshman Tahaad Pettiford has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft while maintaining eligibility.
“I’m looking for an NBA team that values my skill set and long-term potential,” Pettiford told ESPN.
A member of the SEC All-Freshman Team, he averaged 11.6 points and 3.0 assists, helping Auburn clinch the No. 1 overall seed and reach the Final Four. He dropped 23 points on Creighton in the Round of 32 and 20 against Michigan in the Sweet 16.
“We had an amazing year,” Pettiford said. “We lost in the Final Four, but that doesn’t change the year we had.”
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