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Johni Broome injury update: Bruce Pearl reveals impact elbow issue could have on Final Four

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•04/05/25•

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NCAA Basketball: Final Four National Semifinal-Florida at Auburn
Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) dribbles the ball on Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) during the second half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

When Auburn takes on Florida in Saturday’s Final Four opener, Johni Broome’s health will be a focal point. The Tigers big man is dealing with an elbow injury, and Bruce Pearl shared the latest ahead of tip-off.

Pearl said Broome isn’t quite at 100% while speaking with The Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman. However, he noted Broome shouldn’t be limited too much by the issue, which came up in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament as Auburn made a run to San Antonio.

The Tigers will take on Florida Saturday at 6:09 p.m. ET. There wasn’t much doubt Broome would be able to play despite the elbow injury, but Pearl’s update bodes well for his effectiveness throughout the game.

Despite the injury, Broome still played 29 minutes in the Elite Eight, finishing with 25 points and 14 rebounds. He sent State Farm Arena into a frenzy with a three-pointer after coming back onto the court, which felt like a dagger considering Michigan State looked like it was making a run.

As for how Broome would get ready for the Final Four, Pearl stressed the need to rest during the off days. Auburn had five days between the Michigan State win to secure the South Regional title and Saturday’s game in San Antonio to get the Final Four underway. The plan, Pearl said, was to keep Broome out of practice for a bit to make sure he was ready to roll against Florida.

“All I can tell you is that he’s not gonna practice for a couple days,” Pearl said on Pardon My Take. “He needs to rest and recover. All year long he’s bounced back from injuries – a shoulder, an ankle. I have no doubt that he’ll bounce back from this but we probably won’t move him much until Thursday.”

Johni Broome led the charge for Auburn, taking the program to its second Final Four appearance in its history. A finalist for the John R. Wooden Award as the National Player of the Year, he enters Saturday’s game leading the Tigers with 18.9 points and 10.9 rebounds, as well as 2.1 blocks per game to make an impact on both sides of the ball.

Auburn vs. Florida will be the first game of the Final Four doubleheader on Saturday night. Tip-off from the Alamodome is set for 6:09 p.m. ET on CBS.