From Paint to Perimeter: Auburn’s Johni Broome Unleashes a New Weapon with Sharpened 3-Point Shot

Auburn Tigers’ Johni Broome Aims to Refine His Game with Improved 3-Point Shot, Poised for Breakout Season

In the world of college basketball, the Auburn Tigers have become a force to be reckoned with, largely due to a roster stacked with talent and grit. But this season, it’s one player who is quietly making waves with a determination to redefine his game and elevate his team’s performance. Johni Broome, Auburn’s standout forward, has dedicated the offseason to expanding his skill set, focusing particularly on his three-point shooting. And as the season begins, fans and analysts alike are taking notice. The evolution of his game could turn him from a reliable force in the paint into a versatile scoring threat—and potentially one of the top players in the SEC.

Broome’s decision to refine his shooting beyond the arc isn’t just a vanity project or a response to the modern emphasis on spacing. It’s a strategic move aimed at turning himself into a complete player, capable of stretching defenses and creating more opportunities for his teammates. He’s not just adding a shot to his arsenal; he’s unlocking a new facet of Auburn’s offense, positioning the team for a deep run in the tournament.

A Glimpse into Broome’s Game and Potential

At 6’10”, Johni Broome has always been known for his imposing presence in the paint. He’s quick off his feet, has a solid back-to-the-basket game, and has shown an ability to protect the rim. But college basketball is evolving, and in the SEC, which has quickly become one of the toughest conferences in the country, versatile big men who can score from multiple areas on the court have become the norm. Broome is embracing this shift wholeheartedly.

In the previous season, Broome averaged an impressive 14 points, 8 rebounds, and nearly 2 blocks per game, showcasing his dominance around the basket. But in an era where big men are increasingly required to stretch the floor, his limited range became something of a hindrance. Entering the offseason, Broome recognized that if he wanted to take his game to the next level and make a lasting impact, he would need to add the three-point shot to his repertoire.

The Commitment to Improvement

Broome’s journey toward becoming a three-point threat didn’t begin overnight. Over the summer, he worked tirelessly with Auburn’s coaching staff to develop a consistent stroke from beyond the arc. Hours upon hours of practice focused on shooting form, mechanics, and consistency have led to promising results.

“I knew that if I could develop this aspect of my game, I’d become a much tougher player to guard,” Broome said during a recent interview. “I want to help my team in every way possible, and if knocking down threes can open up the floor for us, I’m all in.”

But Broome’s approach to shooting goes beyond just repetition. He has been working on shooting in different game situations: pick-and-pop scenarios, transition threes, and even contested shots. His goal is not just to be a spot-up shooter but to be able to knock down threes in the flow of the offense. His coaches have been instrumental in this journey, designing drills that replicate game situations and allowing Broome to work on shooting with defenders in his face.

Impact on Auburn’s Offensive Scheme

With the addition of a three-point shot to Broome’s arsenal, Auburn’s offense stands to benefit immensely. Head Coach Bruce Pearl has long been known for his fast-paced, high-scoring approach to the game, and a versatile big man who can shoot from range fits perfectly into that system.

Broome’s three-point shooting will force opposing big men to step out to the perimeter, creating more space in the lane for Auburn’s guards to penetrate. This added floor spacing also gives the team more flexibility in terms of lineup combinations. Auburn can go small with Broome as the “stretch five,” or they can play a traditional two-big lineup, knowing that one of their big men can shoot from deep.

Broome’s shooting touch could also be a difference-maker late in games. Auburn struggled at times last season with consistency in crunch time, especially when opponents packed the paint and dared them to shoot from deep. With Broome’s newfound range, the Tigers have another reliable option for late-game heroics, one that can pull opposing shot-blockers away from the rim.

The Path to the NBA

Broome’s work to expand his game isn’t just about Auburn; it’s also about his future at the professional level. As the NBA continues to evolve, big men who can shoot the three have become highly coveted. Look no further than players like Brook Lopez, who transformed his career with the Milwaukee Bucks by adding a consistent three-point shot, or Al Horford, who has been a reliable floor-spacer for years. Broome’s aspirations for the NBA are no secret, and by showing he can consistently knock down shots from beyond the arc, he’s making a case for himself as a modern, stretch-forward who can thrive in today’s game.

Scouts are already taking notice. In recent pre-draft analyses, Broome has been highlighted as one of the most intriguing prospects in the SEC, thanks in large part to his expanded shooting range. While he may not yet be projected as a lottery pick, his development this season could significantly elevate his draft stock. If he continues to improve and can demonstrate his ability to shoot consistently from deep, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him in the first round come draft day.

The Expectations and Pressure

With Broome’s improvements comes a new level of pressure. Fans, coaches, and analysts are now expecting him to deliver, and he’ll be expected to perform under the scrutiny of the SEC’s elite competition. The first few games of the season will be telling; the college basketball world will watch closely to see if Broome’s shooting is a legitimate threat or simply an offseason experiment.

However, Broome’s focus and confidence in his own progress suggest he’s ready for the challenge. “I know people are watching, and they’re waiting to see if I can pull it off,” Broome says. “But I believe in the work I’ve put in, and I’m excited to show people what I can do.”

Auburn’s Season Outlook with a New-and-Improved Broome

With Broome’s expanded offensive skill set, Auburn fans have every reason to be optimistic about the upcoming season. The Tigers are projected to be a top team in the SEC, and with Broome’s added three-point shot, they have the potential to be one of the most dynamic offenses in college basketball. His presence on the perimeter could open up new scoring opportunities and help Auburn contend for an SEC title—and potentially make a deep run in March.

Broome’s journey to becoming a three-point shooter is a testament to his commitment to growth and his desire to be the best version of himself. If his work pays off, it could not only change the course of Auburn’s season but also redefine his legacy as one of the most versatile big men in recent SEC history.

As the season progresses, fans should keep an eye on Broome’s shooting percentage from beyond the arc. If he can prove that his summer work has translated to game-time success, Johni Broome may well be the missing piece Auburn needs to achieve greatness this season—and the latest example of how dedication to improvement can unlock an athlete’s true potential.