Jay Williams declares Johni Broome early favorite for Player of the Year: 'You're looking at the complete package'

Auburn played its seventh game of the season on Wednesday, but Jay Williams saw enough to put Johni Broome in contention for college basketball’s top honor. He declared him the early favorite to win National Player of the Year.

Williams was impressed with another strong first half for Broome in the Maui Invitational. He had 15 points and 10 rebounds, along with three blocks, to help Auburn open up a 47-31 halftime lead over Memphis. That came after an impressive showing against North Carolina on Tuesday as Auburn made it to the championship game.

Based on the caliber opponents Auburn played so far, Williams said Broome is already putting himself in the Player of the Year conversation. He admitted it’s early, but said it’s worth pointing out the Auburn big man’s impressive start.

“I know talking about the National Player of the Year Award before Thanksgiving is similar to talking about the Heisman in August, but I don’t care,” Williams said. “This dude, against three Top-15 opponents – North Carolina, Houston, Iowa State – is averaging 21 points per game, 13 rebounds on 57% shooting. So far, in the first half [against Memphis], 15 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three blocks.

“If we were having a National Player of the Year conversation starting before Thanksgiving, Johni Broome’s name is leading that category. He’s 22 years old, he understands how to play, his offensive game has gotten better. I think you’re looking at the complete package right now.”

Broome entered Wednesday’s game putting up the best numbers of his career. Through six games, he averaged 12.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks as the centerpiece of Auburn’s attack. He continued to dominate in the early going against Memphis, as well, while the Tigers looked to continue their undefeated start to the season.

Broome also got some high praise from Bruce Pearl after that win over North Carolina. He pointed out his star center’s basketball journey, which began at Morehead State, and how it led him to this year’s start.

“I think you got to remember where Johni Broome came from and that just doesn’t get talked enough about,” Pearl said. “He’s a three star out of Tampa Catholic (Florida). He’s not fast enough, he’s not quick enough, he’s not good enough. He doesn’t make the top AAU teams in Florida. He’s a low-major, mid-major kid and all he’s ever done his entire career is prove people wrong. Not an NBA player because he’s not an NBA athlete. All he does is score and all he does is defend and all he does is win.”