8 players who can help their team advance in the SEC Tournament
By Joey Loose
Johni Broome (Auburn)
A significant mid-major weapon a few years ago, Broome is in his second year with Auburn after bursting onto the scene at Morehead State. Broome has fit in nicely in Bruce Pearl’s frontcourt these last two seasons and just put up some of his best numbers as a senior.
He hasn’t quite matched the raw numbers from his time in the OVC, but Broome is coming off a year where he’s averaging 16.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. He leads the SEC in blocks, defensive rebounding, and 2-point field goals, establishing himself perhaps as the premier center in the conference.
He shows up when the Tigers need him, starting back in November with a 30-point, 13-rebound effort in a win over Virginia Tech. Broome scored at least 24 points in both outings against Alabama, including 5 blocks in their win over the Crimson Tide just a month ago. He’s also scored in double figures in every SEC game.
There’s a lot to like about Broome’s total game and he’s a big reason why the Tigers nabbed the 4-seed and have a chance to make noise in the weeks ahead. When he’s on his game, there’s not a better rebounder or shot blocker in the SEC, and that’s valuable for an Auburn squad with talent in the backcourt as well.