After Auburn’s 79-73 loss to the Florida Gators in the Final Four, Auburn center/forward Johni Broome shared an emotional moment with Hall of Famer and Auburn legend Charles Barkley as he left the court. The Houston Chronicle’s Matt Young captured the moment when Barkley briefly pulled Broome aside to offer some words of encouragement.
Broome later described the exchange, saying that Barkley thanked him for his contributions to Auburn basketball and advised him to keep his head up. For Broome, receiving this praise from such a legendary figure in Auburn’s history was deeply meaningful.
“He just thanked me for what I’ve done for Auburn,” Broome recalled. “Told me to keep my head high. Coming from a guy who cemented himself in Auburn history means a lot.”
The loss marked Broome’s final game as a college player, but he leaves behind an impressive legacy as one of the most accomplished players in Auburn’s history, with only Barkley ahead of him. In his final season, Broome became the first Auburn player to win the Sporting News Player of the Year Award and the Pete Newell Big Man Award. He also became one of three Auburn players to be named SEC Player of the Year alongside Barkley and earned consensus First Team All-American honors.
Charles Barkley with an embrace for Auburn’s Johni Broome. pic.twitter.com/VN69oT7trt
— Matt Young (@Chron_MattYoung) April 6, 2025
Broome was also named First Team All-SEC for the second year in a row, finishing his senior year with averages of 18.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.
When Broome transferred to Auburn from Morehead State in 2022, his decision came down to Auburn and Florida. He chose Auburn, a team that ultimately fell short in the Final Four. Whether this decision would have brought him closer to a national championship will always remain unknown. However, given his remarkable career at Auburn and his potential as a likely first-round NBA draft pick, it’s hard to imagine Broome has any regrets.
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