Auburn’s Bruce Pearl suggests Johni Broome has chance to be best transfer in college basketball history
For the sixth straight week, Auburn sits atop the AP poll. Saturday was the latest defining moment in their illustrious campaign, going on the road to Tuscaloosa against their hated rival and taking care of the Crimson Tide in one of the most anticipated college basketball games in years.
The program-defining performance solidified the Tigers as the national title frontrunners.
Even with the team having six players netting at least ten points a contest, the squad has a clear nucleus: Johni Broome.
Despite being hobbled and dealing with foul trouble, Broome led his side in scoring against the in-state rival. The combo big is averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds per game and is in strong contention for the Wooden Award.
The resounding success has impressed many, including his head coach, Bruce Pearl, who thinks his superstar can become the best transfer in college basketball history if he can achieve one specific accolade.
“If this season does end with a long run in March, Johni Broome will go down as the transfer maybe in the history of college basketball,” said Pearl. “It’s a strong statement. But he was all-league his first year, All-American his second year, and potentially player of the year this year. All he’s done is impact winning.”
Broome will likely need to capture a title to have a shot at the “best transfer” crown. Davion Mitchell, Eric Paschall, and Luke Hancock jumped ship and became critical pieces to championship rosters.
Broome has a higher collegiate ceiling than all those names and can be catapulted to the top of the list if he can cut down the nets next month.
