[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2025 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

Johni Broome
Frame: 6’10″, 240 lbs
Position: Center
Team: Auburn Tigers
2025 Draft Age: 22
Stats via www.sports-reference.com

Offense

Broome has established himself as one of the premier players in the country mainly due to his presence around the rim offensively. He currently shoots 61.3 percent on 217 attempts (49.6 percent assisted). Most of his makes come from cleaning up misses on the offensive glass, whether they be his or his teammates. He has an excellent feel for positioning and knows how to throw around his size to move smaller or thinner players out of the way. Broome averages 3.6 offensive rebounds, with a rebound percentage of 14.4 percent. He is a capable rim runner with decent hands who relies on catching the ball first and then using pump fakes to get the rotating low man in the air to finish. When playing out the short roll, he has a floater he uses with his left hand, shooting 42.3 percent on 104 attempts on twos away from the rim. Broome operates on the perimeter a fair amount and can drive to the basket when there is a clear lane in front of him, as his lack of counters leads him into trouble in traffic.

An area of growth this season for Broome has been his facilitating, averaging 3.3 assists and 1.3 turnovers, with an assist percentage of 22.0  to a turnover percentage of 8.6. Operating as Auburn’s offensive engine this season, Broome has flashed various passes, including cross-court with his left hand in the high post, lobs to his teammate in the dunker spot, or hitting cutters in stride for finishes. It is particularly impressive that Broome is so efficient with the ball, having such a low turnover percentage despite owning a 30.4 usage rate. Broome seemingly makes a correct pass every time with the ball in his hands; this area could be further expanded upon in the right system at the next level. 

Throughout his collegiate career, Broome has struggled with his perimeter shot, shooting 30.8 percent on 185 attempts—primarily due to his mechanics. He has a two-motion shot, bringing the ball to about his shoulder and then shooting. Broome can occasionally knock down open looks but must iron out his mechanics to make them more consistent at the next level. This is also apparent at the free-throw line, where he has shot 62.3 percent on 678 attempts through five seasons. 

 

Defense

Broome’s projection defensively is somewhat hazy due to conflicting strengths and weaknesses. He isn’t a vertical athlete who can be overwhelmed against bigger centers around the rim and can be beaten off the dribble despite having adequate lateral footspeed. However, Broome is a high IQ defender who excels in drop coverage, where he can bait ball handlers into bad decisions or time his shot contests at the rim. Timing is his biggest strength; Broome contests to get his hands on the ball, particularly against smaller guards driving to the rim. Sometimes, bigger centers can throw him off, but he still manages to contest these attempts without fouling, only averaging 2.0 fouls per game to go along with 2.4 blocks per game and a block percentage of 8.5 percent. 

Broome is a solid off-all defender; he doesn’t often fall asleep or get loose off the ball. He does well calling out actions and helping teammates get through screens. Because he isn’t a great athlete in the traditional sense, he doesn’t create many turnovers or advantages as a help-defender

Looking Ahead

Broome is an interesting evaluation given his athletic limitations, which prevent him from fitting the mold of a modern big. However, his IQ and production speak for themselves. His versatility as an inside scorer and offensive facilitator gives him a baseline of competence. His lack of a shot will raise questions about how smooth his transition will be. 

Broome projects as a late first-round pick and a rotation-level big, with upside as a low-tier starter.