Johni Broome's combine success thrills Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl
ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. — Bruce Pearl is thrilled for center Johni Broome and his success at the NBA G League Elite Camp this weekend. Broome was one of eight players elevated from the G League camp to the official draft combine in Chicago, Ill. this week. The draft combine runs May 15-21.
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“Johni helped himself and clearly does the things he does,” Pearl said on Monday at the Bruce Pearl For The Children Golf Classic benefitting the Children’s Harbor foundation. “He’s able to score, he played physical, has a high basketball IQ, and the things he needs to continue to work on, his defense, rim protection, rebounding out of his area, we’ll see that again. The level of competition in the combine will be higher than the G League.
“He did great. Our feelings have always been if you can get yourself into the first round, you need to go. It’s hard to climb out of the second round. We’re rooting for Johni on one hand, on the other hand, we’d love to have him back. He could be one of the best players preseason in college basketball.”
Last season, seven players were elevated from the G League Camp to the NBA Draft Combine and none were ultimately drafted. Broome has until May 31 to withdraw his name from the draft and retain college eligibility.
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“if Johni stays in the draft, we’re involved with some guys that are waiting to see what he does,” Pearl said. “I’m not sure if they’ll be as good as Johni. I’m proud and happy for him. I would have expected him to do well.”
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WHAT BROOME DID: Broome scored 40 points in two games on 16-of-25 shooting.
- Broome participated in games on Saturday and Sunday. In his first game on Saturday, Broome finished with 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting, adding four rebounds. In his second game on Sunday evening, Broome finished with 17 points on 8-of-14 shooting, adding eight rebounds.
- He was his team’s leading scorer in both games. The G League Elite Camp consisted of four teams total, with everyone playing two games over the course of two days.
THE CONTEXT: In April, Johni Broome, along with teammate Jaylin Williams, announced intentions to enter their names into the NBA Draft.
- Broome averaged over 14 points, eight rebounds and two blocks per game last season at Auburn after transferring from Morehead State.
- Broome has until May 31 to withdraw his name from the draft to retain his college eligibility. Broome’s success in Chicago means Auburn basketball may have to wait a little longer before Broome makes his announcement to return or pursue professional opportunities.
- Historically, the chances of being drafted after rising from the G League Elite Camp to the NBA Draft Combine are extremely low.
