Auburn star Johni Broome, a leading candidate for National Player of the Year, will not require surgery on the left ankle sprain he suffered during Saturday’s win over South Carolina, according to sources reported by ESPN.
An MRI on Sunday confirmed the injury, and while the 6-foot-10 senior is out indefinitely, it’s not expected to sideline him long-term. Broome exited the game with just under 14 minutes left after landing on a teammate’s foot while contesting a shot. He appeared in significant pain and needed assistance to leave the court, unable to put weight on his left foot.
This marks Broome’s second injury of the season, following a brief shoulder issue in December against Georgia State, which didn’t cause him to miss any games. Despite the setbacks, Broome has been the most dominant player in college basketball, averaging 17.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. He has recorded 10 double-doubles this season and delivered standout performances, such as 21 points and 20 rebounds against Ohio State, 23 points and 19 rebounds against North Carolina, and 21 points and 16 rebounds against Memphis.
With Broome sidelined, Auburn coach Bruce Pearl is expected to rely more on seniors Dylan Cardwell (5.5 PPG) and Chaney Johnson (10.1 PPG).
Auburn (15-1, 3-0 SEC) has won eight straight games and is on track to claim the No. 1 spot in the AP poll after Tennessee’s 30-point loss to Florida. The Tigers return to action Tuesday at home against Mississippi State.
