Auburn’s March Madness Journey: Barkley Believes Johni Broome Could Become the Greatest Player in Program History
The Auburn men’s basketball team, the top seed in the NCAA Division I tournament, has made an impressive start to their March Madness campaign. After defeating Alabama State in the opening round, the Tigers went on to secure a victory against Creighton in the second round, earning themselves a spot in the Sweet 16. However, even before the tournament began, Auburn legend Charles Barkley expressed his support for one of the team’s current stars, Johni Broome.
Barkley, who provides commentary during the tournament broadcasts, believes that if Broome can lead the Tigers to their first national championship, he would surpass Barkley himself in Auburn basketball history. During Thursday’s telecast, Barkley said, “If he can finish the journey, I would say he’s the greatest player in Auburn basketball history. I truly mean that. What he’s done for the program, along with Coach Bruce Pearl and the rest of the team, has been incredible. But if they could win a national championship, listen man, it’d be great.”
Barkley also highlighted Auburn’s appearance in the 2019 Final Four as the program’s best season to date. He stated, “And I would say this, I said when they made it to the Final Four a few years ago, that’s the greatest season in Auburn basketball history. If he’s able to win a championship, I’d say he’s the greatest player in Auburn basketball history. … He’s better than me in college.”
Despite some doubts surrounding Auburn’s performance leading up to the tournament, including back-to-back losses to Texas A&M and Alabama, Barkley defended the team. He emphasized that these losses came against strong opponents, saying, “They didn’t lose to Providence. They lost to three schools that were ranked in the top 10-to-15. And listen, no disrespect to Providence. Don’t be blowing up. … They lost to Alabama at the buzzer, and they’re a No. 2 or 3 seed. That’s why I’m not concerned. They lost to three teams that are in the top 15 of the country.”
Looking ahead, Auburn will face the fifth-seeded Michigan Wolverines in the Sweet 16 on March 28 in Atlanta. The outcome of this game will determine whether Broome and the Tigers can continue their journey towards a national championship.
In conclusion, as Auburn’s March Madness adventure unfolds, the spotlight shines on Johni Broome as a potential candidate to become the greatest player in the history of Auburn basketball. With the backing of Auburn legend Charles Barkley, Broome’s leadership and performance will be crucial in determining the team’s fate. Their previous successes, including a Final Four appearance, have already etched them a place in Auburn’s basketball history. However, a national championship would solidify Broome’s claim to greatness. Despite recent setbacks, Barkley remains confident in Auburn’s abilities, citing the strength of the teams they lost to. The upcoming game against Michigan is a pivotal moment that will shape the legacy of both Broome and the Tigers’ season.
