Auburn University's standout forward, Johni Broome, made a remarkable return during Sunday’s Elite Eight game against Michigan State, after sustaining alarming injuries to his elbow and leg. The incident occurred during a tense defensive play where Broome contested a shot at the rim, landing awkwardly and subsequently collapsing onto the court with 10:37 left in the game. This moment heightened the tension in the arena, especially for his family and fans watching closely.
After the play, Broome was taken off the court for further evaluation. He underwent x-rays, which fortunately returned negative, allowing him to rejoin his team with just 5:29 remaining in the game. His return was met with thunderous applause from the crowd in Atlanta, a testament to his importance to the team and the fans’ support. Upon his return, Broome quickly showcased his skills by grabbing a one-handed rebound on defense and then sinking a crucial 3-pointer on the offensive end, helping to secure Auburn’s 70-64 victory.
The incident was not only a physical scare for Broome but also an emotional one for his family. CBS cameras captured his mother in tears as she watched her son struggle on the floor. As he exited the court, Broome was seen mouthing to his teammates, “I’m done,” which added to the anxiety among fans and players alike. However, his quick return transformed the atmosphere, turning apprehension into jubilation.
Despite his triumphant return, Broome appeared to be favoring his right arm, indicating he was still battling through pain. Earlier in the game, he had grimaced while protecting his right shoulder, a site of a previous injury, compounded by the hyperextended elbow he sustained during the game. Reflecting on the incident after the game, Broome expressed gratitude, stating, “It was a scary moment. I went down, but my team had my back.”
As Auburn prepares for the upcoming Final Four next week, Broome remains optimistic about his performance. He stated confidently that he would be ready to play, although the extent of his effectiveness is still uncertain. This uncertainty adds an intriguing layer to the narrative as Broome is not only a crucial player for Auburn but also a contender for the National Player of the Year title.
Broome has been instrumental in leading Auburn, which is now headed to its second-ever Final Four. He currently stands as the SEC's leader in rebounds and ranks within the top five nationally for both Player Efficiency Rating and Box Plus/Minus. Fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming matchup against the No. 1 seed, Florida, scheduled for Saturday night at 6:09 p.m. ET on CBS. This clash promises to be a significant highlight in the ongoing March Madness tournament.
