What was an already exciting draft for the Philadelphia 76ers faithful, due to number three overall pick V.J. Edgecombe, only continued during night two of the draft. The Sixer’s took Auburn center Johni Broome with the thirty-fifth overall pick of the draft.
Broome, a Tampa native, attended Tampa Catholic High School. As a senior, he won Hillsborough County Player of the year averaging 19.6 point, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks a game. He then began his career at Morehead State, where he had an immediate impact.
In his freshman year he was named OVC Freshman of the Year and earned All-OVC First Team honors. He only continued he stelar play in his sophomore year by repeating on All-OVC First Team and adding OVC Defensive Player of the Year to his resume. From there Broome decided to take his talents to the SEC at Auburn University.
In his first season at Auburn he immediately made an impact winning Second Team All-SEC. His play truly blossomed in his first senior campaign earning a slew of honors:
- AP All-American Third Team
- First Team All-SEC
- SEC All-Defensive Team
- SEC Tournament MVP
- Legends Classic MVP
His final season marked off an illustrious collegiate career by adding even more to his trophy case:
- Karl Malone Award,
- Pete Newell Big Man Award
- All-American First Team
- Sporting News Player of the Year
- SEC Player of the Year
- SEC All-Tournament Team
- Maui Invitational MVP
After an award filled time in college he declared for the NBA draft.
The pick of Broome was a surprise to some as many mocks had Duke guard Tyrese Proctor joining the team. This selection made more sense after Broome revealed in his post-draft interview “I actually went to the Process two years ago.” While he was not caught off guard, the emotions were palpable as he described, “as a kid your dream is to play in the NBA.”
Broome is an incredibly multi-faceted player being able to play on both floors. On the offensive side, he is a dominant post-scorer who has touch around the rim. He is a formidable rebounder highlighted by averaging 3.7 offensive rebounds a game, a testament to his elite instincts. While questions remain about his athleticism and jump shot, he is still an incredibly high-floor player.
Defensively, Broome shines the brightest. He averaged 2.0 blocks a game throughout his time in college due to his intellect and discipline. He does this while remaining out of foul trouble and rarely putting himself into poor positions. The major weakness, again, is his athleticism and how he will fare on a switch. This is not a concern for the Sixers however, as they are used to this type of center with Andre Drummond and he sure to learn from former MVP Joel Embid.
Broome is ready to go to work saying, “I’m excited for the first day I get in Philly and talk to the players.” While second round picks don’t always pan out, Sixers fans should remain excited as Broome brings talent, personality, and resilience which is sure to translate to the court.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.