Johni Broome injury update: Bruce Pearl explains what went into decision to play Auburn star

Auburn’s Johni Broome looked more than fine on the floor yesterday for the Tigers in a Top-20 matchup.

Bruce Pearl spoke about Broome’s status following his outing in their 87-69 win over Purdue in Birmingham on Saturday. Coming in with an shoulder injury earlier in the week, Pearl just wanted to be sure that their center couldn’t further injure himself by playing. Once Broome and the doctors assured him of that, they had him back in the lineup.

“Yeah, I mean, he made it really clear, from the beginning, he was playing. But I had to hear that from Dr. Goodlett and Dr. Emblem. When Dr. Emblem, again, told me last night and, I quote, ‘if he was playing football for Auburn, he’d be on the field today’?” Pearl said. “He’s at no risk for further injury. What happened happened. He had no damage.”

“Obviously, the question would be then how do you feel now? I just wanted Johni – if he wanted to go out there and just tell me how you feel. If you are comfortable? That’s the greatest indicator. That’s just secure,” said Pearl. “He obviously was more than comfortable.”

Broome obviously was as he posted another double-double in the 18-point win over the Boilermakers. He went for game-highs of 23 points (66.7% FG) and 11 rebounds along with a pair of assists, a block, and a steal over a half hour of game time.

Still, the staff could tell that it took a few minutes for Broome to be ready after the opening tip.

“Probably after his first rotation. Because, his first rotation, he got scored on a couple times and the great thing about it is we actually kind of got onto him and he right away, responded – I got you, you know, in other words,” said Pearl. “With the exception of his first rotation, he played great defense, you know, the rest of the night.”

After missing all but a few minutes of a game earlier this week with this injury, there was some concern that Broome could miss some extent of time, although with only two non-conference games left in the next two weeks coming into yesterday. He was more than alright, though, with another great performance for him this season.