In a major sigh of relief for the Auburn Tigers, star center Johni Broome will not require shoulder surgery after suffering an injury scare in Tuesday’s game against Georgia State. MRI results indicated that the dominant big man, who leads the nation in rebounding, can return to action without an extended absence.
Broome’s Brief Exit Sparks Concern
Hearts sank throughout Auburn Arena when Broome headed to the locker room holding his shoulder less than three minutes into the contest. The 6-foot-10 sophomore had been nearly unstoppable in the early going, averaging a double-double while anchoring the Tigers on both ends.
Head coach Bruce Pearl later revealed that Broome’s shoulder temporarily “came out and came right back in” – a recurrence of an issue he dealt with last season. The incident triggered worries that Auburn’s linchpin could be sidelined for a significant stretch.
MRI Delivers Good News
Fortunately, the MRI came back clean, indicating Broome can treat the shoulder issue without going under the knife. His imminent return comes at a critical juncture, with the Tigers gearing up for a heavyweight bout against No. 16 Purdue on Saturday.
Getting Johni back quickly is a huge boost for us. His presence changes everything on both ends of the floor.
– Bruce Pearl, Auburn Head Coach
Broome’s Dominance By the Numbers
It’s hard to overstate Broome’s impact for an Auburn squad with serious championship aspirations. Through the first six games, the big man was putting up video game numbers:
- 19.7 points per game on uber-efficient 61% shooting
- 12.7 rebounds per game, tops in the nation
- 3.5 blocks per game, stifling the paint on defense
With their star set to suit up against Purdue and moving forward, the Tigers can breathe easy knowing the centerpiece of their championship puzzle is still in place. As Pearl aptly put it, Broome’s presence “changes everything” for a team with the talent to cut down the nets.
Gearing Up for Purdue Showdown
Broome’s return comes just in time for a measuring stick matchup against Purdue in Birmingham. The battle-tested Tigers, who have already notched wins over Saint Louis and Memphis, can solidify their standing as an elite contender by taking down the Boilermakers.
With Broome patrolling the paint, Auburn will have a much easier time containing the massive frontcourt of 7-foot-4 Zach Edey and athletic forwards Mason Gillis and Caleb Furst. As big a mismatch as Edey presents, Broome has the strength, motor and shot-blocking prowess to hold his own.
On the other end, Broome’s deft touch, nimble footwork, and explosive leaping ability make him a matchup nightmare for even the stoutest defensive units. If he’s able to impose his will inside, it will open up a wealth of clean looks for Auburn’s platoon of shooters.
The Road Ahead
Broome’s shoulder scare was an alarming reminder of how quickly a team’s fortunes can change with an ill-timed injury. College basketball history is littered with championship dreams dashed by a key player going down at the wrong time.
But with their defensive anchor and offensive fulcrum on track to return, Auburn once again has all the pieces to mount a deep tournament run. If Broome maintains his torrid pace, he could enter the rarified air of the country’s most impactful stars.
First things first, though, is taking care of business against Purdue on Saturday. With a healthy Broome leading the charge, the Tigers will have a golden opportunity to flex their muscle as a championship contender.
