Home Sports Auburn’s Johni Broome out indefinitely with ankle sprain, but won’t need surgery

Auburn’s Johni Broome out indefinitely with ankle sprain, but won’t need surgery

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Auburn forward Johni Broome reacts after making a 3-point basket against Missouri during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Auburn, Alabama. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Auburn forward Johni Broome is a national player of the year candidate and leads the Tigers to a 15-1 record. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

No. 2 Auburn will be without star forward Johni Broome indefinitely after suffering a sprained ankle during Saturday’s win over South Carolina. The 6-foot-10 senior will not require surgery to repair the injury, but the timeline for his return is uncertain.

Broome is a leading candidate for national player of the year, averaging 17.9 points and leading the SEC with 10.7 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game for the Tigers (15-1).

He suffered the injury early in the second half, twisting his ankle when he landed on teammate Chaney Johnson’s foot while jumping for a rebound. Broome went to the locker room and eventually returned to the Auburn bench, but did not re-enter the game.

After the game, Auburn coach Bruce Pearl told reporters that Broome suffered a “major sprain” and would undergo an MRI exam when the team returned home.

Last season, Broome earned third-team All-American and first-team All-SEC honors. He was also named SEC Tournament MVP after compiling a combined 47 points, 24 rebounds and six blocks in wins over South Carolina, Mississippi State and Florida.

Broome has delivered some of his best performances this season in Auburn’s toughest games, highlighted by 23 points, 19 rebounds and three blocks in an 85-72 win over North Carolina in the Maui Invitational. He followed up with 21 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks against Memphis to win the tournament championship. At Duke, Broome scored 20 points with 12 rebounds in the Tigers’ only loss of the season.

Next up for Auburn is a home showdown with Mississippi State on Tuesday. After that, the Tigers visit Georgia (14-2) before hosting No. 1 Tennessee (15-1) in a primetime matchup on Jan. 25.

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