NBA Comparison: Jock Landale

Strengths: Broome is a skilled, physical, and intelligent big man who was among the most productive two-way players in college basketball during the 2024–25 season … At 6’10” and 240 pounds with a reported 7’1” wingspan, he combines strength, touch, and timing to impact both ends of the floor … He averaged 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks over just 30 minutes per game as a fifth-year senior, displaying consistency and maturity as Auburn’s interior anchor … One of the most reliable post scorers in the country, Broome scores with hooks, floaters, and short jumpers using advanced footwork and soft hands … Capable of finishing through contact or using fakes and pivots to create space … His rebounding instincts and toughness stand out—he averaged 3.7 offensive rebounds per game and was a force on the glass in every matchup … Defensively, he is a disciplined and instinctive shot blocker, posting over 2.0 blocks per game in all four college seasons, while avoiding fouls and excelling in drop coverage … Rarely out of position, and his interior defense helped anchor one of the SEC’s top units … Shows improved face-up skill and mobility, able to drive past slower bigs or shoot over smaller defenders … Passing out of double teams and short-roll reads have continued to develop … A mature leader who plays with poise and brings a clear understanding of his role …

Weaknesses: Broome is not a vertical athlete and does most of his work below the rim, which may limit his ability to finish over length at the NBA level … His foot speed is below average, which could be exposed in space against quicker bigs or guards in switch-heavy schemes … Lateral mobility and closeouts remain areas for concern, especially when defending stretch bigs … Though his shooting range has expanded, his mechanics are slow and he shot just 27.8% from three on 2.5 attempts per game in 2024–25—far from reliable spacing … His free throw percentage (58.7%) also raises questions about long-term touch and shooting consistency … For all his post effectiveness, he lacks a face-up game beyond the paint and doesn’t threaten defenses off the dribble … Most of his offense comes from set plays or post entries—he’s not someone who will create or collapse a defense … There’s some uncertainty whether his go-to scoring in college will translate when matched against NBA length and athleticism … Unlikely to provide much switchability on defense and will need to thrive in drop coverage to stick … His lack of quick-twitch athleticism, paired with his age and modest shooting metrics, limits his ceiling in today’s fast-paced, floor-spacing NBA …

Outlook: Broome capped off a dominant fifth-year season by averaging 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and 2.9 assists on 51.0% shooting over 35 starts in 2024–25 … He was runner-up to Cooper Flagg for National Player of the Year and led Auburn to the Final Four, reinforcing his status as one of the most impactful bigs in the country … With his size, IQ, and ability to defend the paint, Broome projects as a plug-and-play reserve big who can contribute early in drop coverage schemes and halfcourt offenses … If he can become a consistent floor spacer and hold his own defensively against quicker bigs, he has the potential to carve out a long NBA career as a high-IQ, system big … His production, maturity, and physicality give him one of the safest floors among second-round big men …

Notes: Named to the 2024 All-SEC First Team and SEC All-Defensive Team … MVP of the 2024 SEC Tournament … Runner-up to Cooper Flagg in National Player of the Year voting (only two players received votes) … Transferred from Morehead State to Auburn in 2022 … Finished his college career with 2,696 points, 1,593 rebounds, and 419 blocks—one of just four players in NCAA history to surpass 2,000 points, 1,200 rebounds, and 350 blocks … Measured 6’10”, 240 lbs with a 7’1” wingspan … Prepped at Tampa Catholic High School (FL) … Majored in Interdisciplinary Studies …

Aran Smith – 4/15/25

Strengths: Walking 20-10 at the college level, not to mention 2-3 blocks per … In 2025, the SEC was college basketball’s best conference (hands down), and Johni Broome was its best player (hands down) … Battle tested … Efficient lefty big man with a traditional power forward size and build… Nice touch around the hoop, good lefty floater … Good hands in the catch and above average finisher around the hoop… Excellent rebounder … Led the SEC in rebounding, total, offensive, and defensive … Strong hands – when there’s a 50/50 rebound, he comes away with it … Nearly 4 offensive boards per game, he puts relentless pressure on the opposition to keep a body on him … Adept shot blocker who stays out of foul trouble. Had a year at Morehead State with nearly 4 blocks per game, and has been better than 2 blocks per game over two seasons at Auburn. Excellent verticality, and what he lacks in reach, he makes up for in patience and timing … Decent play maker who sees the floor well for a big, averaged 3 assists per game and a 2:1 assist to turnover ratio this past season … Has a maturity to his game, in a similar way to Drew Timme, Broome’s impact at the college level was significant. He doesn’t have the athleticism or length that scouts love to see, but he does have a future in the NBA… Tough as nails competitor and excellent leader…

Weaknesses: Does not have a “modern” NBA forward game … Not the fastest, not the most explosive, prefers the ball on the block compared to outside of 17 feet, and may struggle to keep up with NBA speed on a pick and roll switch … How will his shooting be? Showed promise two years ago, converting on 35% of threes on 2.3 attempts per game. But regressed this past season to just 28% … Stroke looks decent, but where’d the consistency go? … Free throw shooting can improve at just 60% … A fifth year college player, and age can be seen as a negative in the eyes of many talent evaluators … at minimum he certainly can rebound in the NBA. Can he defend at the elite level he did in college? … Can he play-make and score against NBA defense with the same ease as in college? … Below average foot speed costs him in space both offensively and defensively …

Notes: Runner up to Cooper Flagg for AP National Player of the Year, receiving 20 votes (of 60) … Fifth year player, played his first three seasons at Morehead State before transferring to Auburn for his final two years. 2025 SEC Player of the Year, SEC Tournament Most Valuable Player, All-SEC First Team, SEC All-Defensive Team … is likely to be the NCAA D1 Player of the Year runner up (to the soon to be top NBA draft pick Cooper Flagg) … Briefly tested his NBA Draft stock in 2024 before ultimately deciding to return to Auburn …

Drew Wolin 4/5/25