Sam Vecenie makes definitive statement on draft stock of Johni Broome

Johni Broome could have left school for the NBA, potentially being a second-round pick last year. Instead, the big man returned to Auburn and has been fantastic. Before his recent ankle injury, Broome was front runner for National Player of the Year due to his pure dominance on the court.

This has caused his draft stock to soar, with The Athletic‘s Sam Vecenie labeling him as a first-round pick. Now, this was before the injury but the full expectation is for Broome to be back at some point this season. Either way, Vecenie loves what he sees from Broome.

“I have Johni Broome as a first-rounder,” Vecenie said. “I had Johni Broome, last year, in the top 40, and he decided to return to school. I think I shared the draft guide profile that I had written last year on Broome. Like, I think Broome is a stud.”

Broome began his career at Morehead State, playing two seasons there. A jump to power conference basketball was made ahead of the 2022-2023 season and it’s been nothing but a success. During his time at Auburn, Broome has averaged 15.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game.

Vecenie points out how success has followed Broome everywhere he has gone. From Morehead State to Auburn, he even liked what Broome showed during the draft process last offseason.

Elite-level play this season just adds to Vecenie’s high opinion, currently slating him in the latter half of the first round.

“Everywhere he’s gone, he’s kind of kicked ass,” Vecenie said. “He kicked ass at Morehead State, he’s kicked ass for two years now at Auburn. He kicked ass both at the G-Legue Combine and the NBA Combine when he went to those. I’m just a buyer in general. I have him in the 20 to 30 range right now.”

Broome missed Auburn’s win against Mississippi State on Tuesday. Bruce Pearl‘s team still cruised to a blowout win without their star, showing how deep the roster is. But everyone on the Plains knows Broome will need to get back in the lineup to make some noise in March.

NBA scouts will be watching even more when the NCAA Tournament comes around. Broome may have the opportunity to move up even more in the NBA Draft.