BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Johni Broome's 3-pointer just over a minute into the game was a quick sign that the Auburn star's right shoulder was quite healthy.
Broome and the second-ranked Tigers turned in dominant performances in an 87-69 win over No. 16 Purdue on Saturday. The preseason All-American's 3-pointer in just 78 seconds eased his own concerns about an injury that had sidelined him two minutes into the game against Georgia State four days earlier.
“I feel like that gave me an extra push because I was still a little unsure because I hadn't been at full speed in a game,” Broome said. “So when I hit my first 3 and seeing how the crowd reacted it made me feel better about myself.”
The injury was a scare for Auburn and Broome, who had returned for one final season after considering entering the NBA draft. Broome said there were mornings when he woke up thinking he wouldn't be able to play.
He will now have extra time to recover before Auburn's next game on Dec. 30 against Monmouth.
Broome was coming off his second AP Men's College Basketball Player of the Week. He had 21 points, 20 rebounds, six assists and three blocks in just 26 minutes as the Tigers beat Ohio State 91-53 last week.
Pearl, who touts his star as a national player of the year candidate, said he knew Broome was healthy enough to play like him after a shaky defensive first stretch on the court.
“In his first rotation he got scored on a couple times,” Pearl said. “And the best thing about it is that we actually attacked him and he immediately said, ‘Gotcha.’ With the exception of his first turnover, he played great defense the rest of the night.”
He said Broome “made it very clear from the beginning that he was playing.” Dr. Benton Emblom then assured him that “if you were playing football for Auburn, you would be on the field today. You are not at risk for further injuries.”
Purdue coach Matt Painter also wasn't surprised Broome played. Or because of how he played.
“He's a great player. Obviously we've had a lot of great guys and when they get the ball in certain spots you're at their mercy if you don't come with a double (team),” Painter said. He added praise for both Broome and the Tigers: “He's real and they're real.”
