For the second time this season, Auburn star Johni Broome has suffered an injury. In an ugly sequence of events, Johni Broome fell, twisting his ankle, hyper-extending his knee, and hyper-extending his elbow. He stayed down for a few moments before eventually hobbling to the locker room. Lip readers saw Johni Broome tell his coach, Bruce Pearl, “I’m done.” A few minutes later, after Auburn struggled to maintain their success, Broome ran out from the locker room and checked himself into the game. While his leg looked fine, he still wasn’t using his right arm. That trend remained, and an elbow wrap could be seen underneath his usual arm sleeve. So what does Johni Broome’s elbow injury mean for Auburn? What did we learn from the game against Michigan State?
What Johni Broome’s Elbow Injury Means for Auburn
Broome Will Play
Broome would barely even attempt to touch the ball with his right arm, but he fought through and provided tough minutes. The Tigers held on to beat Michigan State but struggled when he was off the floor. Broome’s elbow injury severely inhibited his movement but not his heart. He was arguing with Pearl constantly to let him stay in the game. Whenever momentum started to shift, Broome was right back in the game. It doesn’t matter whether Broome can barely touch the ball in the Final Four against Florida: he will play. He is a winner and a fighter. No injury could take away his drive to win, so don’t expect an injury report to announce Broome’s unavailability on Saturday.
Broome’s Elbow Injury Will Severely Limit His Play
Broome was able to knock down a three, but he wasn’t his usual self. He dominated the game against the Spartans as a whole, finishing with 25 points and 14 rebounds on 10-13 from the field, including 2-2 from three. However, almost all of that damage came before his injury. He wasn’t himself. After dominating the post early on, he didn’t post up one time after the injury. Broome’s post presence is so important to the Tigers. When he plays in the post, most teams will need to double Broome, leaving shooters open on the outside or cutting to the basket.
He was scared of contact to the elbow and even went up to rebound with only one arm. In a matchup against Florida, that doesn’t bode well. Florida dominated the glass against Maryland 42-20 and Texas Tech 42-35. Broome averages 10.8 rebounds per game, but he won’t do that with one arm. Players must step up in his absence on the glass. Dylan Cardwell played big down the stretch, but he will need a massive game against the Gators to help make up for Broome’s injury.
The Last Word
Auburn can win without Broome, as they proved throughout the season. However, will they be able to beat a healthy Duke team? Could they score enough without a healthy Broome against Houston? Can they rebound well enough to stay in the game against Florida? Auburn has serious issues against any of their opponents. It is certainly possible, but unless Broome sees serious improvement, they will struggle to beat these top teams. He could win Player of the Year. Auburn wouldn’t be a one-seed without him. And they likely won’t win a championship if he isn’t healthy, either. Broome’s injury will be the storyline to watch leading into next weekend in San Antonio. It could very well decide who comes out as a national champion.
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