Auburn’s magical basketball season came to a heartbreaking end in the Final Four with a 79–73 loss to Florida. As the final buzzer echoed in the Alamodome, Johni Broome stood motionless, overwhelmed by emotion. Auburn’s dream was over, and for Broome, so was his college journey. Moments later, he delivered a powerful farewell to fans, marking the close of a memorable chapter.
On April 9, Broome posted “War Eagle” on Instagram—not as a battle cry, but as a farewell. With a simple caption, “4 out,” he officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft. It was more than an announcement—it was a heartfelt goodbye to the Auburn community that had embraced him.
Before transferring to Auburn, Broome had already made a name for himself at Morehead State. As a freshman, he averaged 13.7 points, 9 rebounds, and nearly 2 blocks per game, shooting 57% from the field. In his sophomore year, he elevated his play to 16.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, and a staggering 3.9 blocks per game—becoming one of the most dominant big men in mid-major college basketball.
View this post on Instagram
In his farewell message, Broome thanked Morehead State, Auburn’s coaching staff—especially head coach Bruce Pearl—his teammates, fans, and family. He also gave a special nod to his hometown of Plant City, Florida, and credited God for guiding his journey.
At Auburn, Broome wasn’t just a star—he was the soul of the team. His footwork, timing, and leadership made him a fan favorite and a respected figure in the locker room. Over his final season, he averaged 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds (ranked 8th nationally), and 2.9 assists, shooting 51% from the floor. Auburn finished with a 32–6 record, dominated the SEC, and reached the Final Four—its best season in years.
His Instagram post drew an outpouring of emotional responses from fans. Many thanked him for unforgettable memories, while others called him one of Auburn’s all-time greats. Even Charles Barkley—long considered the university’s basketball legend—praised Broome during a CBS broadcast, saying Broome had earned the title of greatest player in Auburn history and should have his jersey retired.
Broome’s contributions extended beyond the court. Fans viewed him as a role model, a leader, and a symbol of Auburn’s rise to national prominence. In his first season (2022–23), Auburn went 21–13 and reached the NCAA Round of 32. They improved to 27–8 the next year but fell short in the tournament. Everything came together in 2024–25, and Broome was at the heart of that run.
Even an elbow injury in the Elite Eight couldn’t hold him back. He went through rehab and returned determined to help his team. Coach Pearl remained cautious, but Broome assured everyone he would be ready—and he was.
Fans across the country have already begun to miss seeing him in the Auburn jersey. Many have expressed their excitement for his future in the NBA, knowing that his impact will be remembered for years to come.
Meanwhile, Auburn faces more uncertainty with freshman Tahaad Pettiford also declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft while maintaining his eligibility. Pettiford, who earned SEC All-Freshman honors, averaged 11.6 points and 3 assists. He made key contributions during the Tigers’ tournament run, including standout performances against Creighton and Michigan.
Despite the Final Four loss, Pettiford emphasized how special the season was, reinforcing the sentiment shared by many—this Auburn team was truly one of a kind. And while the future remains uncertain, the legacy of Johni Broome will be a lasting one in Auburn basketball history.