Coach Bruce Pearl has said many times that his goal at Auburn is to “Make History.” It has been the teams mantra for a while. This season, Auburn Basketball has done that, in many ways. As the men’s basketball team enters the Sweet 16 for the 5th time in program history, they have already done so much, continuing an incredible season that has already rewritten the record books.
The Tigers entered the NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 overall seed for the first time ever, a testament to their dominance throughout the season. Bruce Pearl’s squad tied the program record for most wins in a single season with 30, solidifying themselves as one of the best Auburn teams in history. They navigated the SEC with authority in what has been an exceptionally strong year for the conference, with a record-setting seven SEC teams making the Sweet 16.
Johni Broome’s Stellar Season
A significant contributor to Auburn’s success has been senior forward/center Johni Broome. Broome was named the SEC Player of the Year, becoming only the third player in Auburn history to receive this honor, joining Charles Barkley (1984) and Chris Porter (1999). He also earned a unanimous selection to the AP All-America First Team, marking the first time an Auburn player has ever done this. Historic!
Throughout the season, Broome has been a dominant force on both ends of the court. He averaged 18.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game. Notably, Broome is the only player in NCAA Division I men’s basketball history to record over 2,500 points, 1,500 rebounds, and 400 blocks in his career. His exceptional performance has also made him a finalist for the prestigious Naismith Trophy, awarded annually to the nation’s top player. HISTORIC!
Bruce Pearl’s Coaching Excellence
Head Coach Bruce Pearl has been had a remarkable season, himself. Pearl was named the SEC Coach of the Year for the second time while at Auburn and the fourth time in his career. His leadership has been instrumental. Not only did he have the confidence to schedule this tough slate for Auburn, but they had to navigate one the toughest conferences in history. Despite the tough schedule, Auburn secured the SEC regular-season title and attained the program’s first No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Earlier this season, Pearl became the all-time winningest coach in Auburn basketball history. He surpassed the previous record with his 214th win during a victory over Texas on January 7, 2025. His career record at Auburn now stands at 244–124, and his overall coaching record is 475–223. Under his guidance, the Tigers have made six NCAA Tournament appearances, the most by any coach in the program’s history. This all has earned Pearl recognition as a finalist for the Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year award. HIS-STOR-IC!
Looking Ahead
From dominant performances at Neville Arena to statement wins against top-ranked opponents, Auburn has proven they belong among college basketball’s elite. As they prepare for the next round of the NCAA Tournament, the Tigers have already made history, but they aren’t done yet. With their sights set on the Final Four, this Auburn team has the potential to make this season even more unforgettable
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