Johni Broome, Auburn’s standout big man and 2025 SEC Player of the Year, found himself at the center of social media buzz following his NBA Draft Combine performance on May 13, 2025. A video showcasing his standing vertical leap, measured at 24.5 inches, drew widespread attention, not for its impressiveness but for its perceived shortcomings. The language-learning app Duolingo seized the moment, posting a sharp-witted troll on X that suggested Broome might need to “learn Chinese” for a career overseas, amplifying the online chatter. Despite the mockery, Broome’s combine showing and college resume keep him in the conversation as a late-first or early-second-round prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The viral moment overshadowed Broome’s otherwise stellar collegiate career, where he averaged 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, leading Auburn to a Final Four appearance. His measurements at the combine—6’9¼” barefoot, 249.4 pounds, with a 7’0¼” wingspan—highlight a sturdy frame, though his athletic limitations raised questions among scouts. Social media platforms, particularly X, lit up with reactions, ranging from fans defending his all-around game to others questioning his NBA fit. This article delves into Broome’s combine performance, the Duolingo jab, his draft projections, and the broader context of his journey from overlooked recruit to NBA hopeful.
- Key details of the combine controversy:
- Broome’s standing vertical leap was 24.5 inches, among the lowest at the 2025 combine.
- Duolingo’s X post went viral, garnering thousands of likes and retweets.
- ESPN projects Broome as the 37th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Social media storm erupts
The Duolingo troll, posted on May 14, 2025, marked a surprising turn in Broome’s combine narrative. The app’s verified X account quoted a video of his vertical leap, shared by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, with a caption implying Broome’s NBA dreams might lead him to play abroad. The post, which referenced learning Chinese as a nod to overseas leagues, quickly amassed significant engagement, with fans and critics piling on. Some users compared Broome’s leap to Nikola Jokic’s modest 17-inch vertical, arguing that athleticism isn’t the sole indicator of NBA success, while others saw it as evidence of his limited upside.
Broome, known for his resilience, has not publicly responded to the troll, focusing instead on combine drills and interviews. His performance in five-on-five scrimmages at the combine earned praise, with analysts noting his post scoring and defensive timing. However, the viral video underscored a persistent concern: Broome’s lack of elite athleticism, particularly in a league that values explosive big men. The social media frenzy highlighted the intense scrutiny prospects face, where a single moment can overshadow years of production.
- Social media reactions:
- Fans cited Jokic and Trayce Jackson-Davis as examples of successful bigs with modest verticals.
- Critics argued Broome’s leap reflects broader concerns about his NBA athleticism.
- Duolingo’s post was shared widely, boosting the app’s visibility.
- Auburn supporters rallied to defend Broome’s college dominance.
Broome’s combine performance dissected
Broome’s combine results painted a mixed picture. His standing vertical leap of 24.5 inches was notably lower than the average for big men, with top prospects like Duke’s Khaman Maluach recording leaps above 30 inches. However, Broome excelled in other areas, including post-up drills, where his footwork and soft touch shone. He recorded a 10.2% block rate during the 2024-25 season, showcasing his defensive instincts, and his 25.9% rebound rate was among the NCAA’s best. His combine scrimmages highlighted his ability to score through contact and facilitate from the high post, averaging 2.9 assists per game at Auburn.
Anthropometric measurements provided further context. At 6’9¼” without shoes and 249.4 pounds, Broome has the bulk to compete in the paint, but his 7’0¼” wingspan is shorter than ideal for an NBA center. His 9’0½” standing reach is serviceable but doesn’t compensate for his lack of explosive leaping ability. Scouts noted his high basketball IQ and effort, qualities that helped him dominate college opponents, but questions linger about his ability to defend NBA bigs like Joel Embiid or Anthony Davis. The combine, held in Chicago, served as a critical stage for Broome to address these concerns, though the vertical leap video stole the spotlight.
Auburn legacy and college dominance
Broome’s journey to the combine began in Tampa, Florida, where he was a lightly recruited three-star prospect. After two seasons at Morehead State, where he earned Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors, he transferred to Auburn in 2022. His impact was immediate, leading the Tigers to the Final Four in 2025 and earning SEC Player of the Year accolades. Over 35 starts in his final season, Broome posted a 37.6 Player Efficiency Rating (PER), the highest in the NCAA, and was runner-up to Duke’s Cooper Flagg for National Player of the Year.
His statistical profile is staggering: 18.6 points on 51% shooting, 10.8 rebounds, 3.7 offensive rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. Broome’s versatility—scoring in the post, hitting 33% of his 2.5 three-point attempts, and averaging nearly three assists—made him a focal point of Auburn’s offense. Coach Bruce Pearl praised his work ethic, noting his ability to prove doubters wrong since his high school days. Broome’s dominance in the SEC, the nation’s top conference in 2024-25, solidified his reputation as one of college basketball’s premier big men.
Draft projections and team fits
ESPN’s latest mock draft, published in April 2025, projects Broome as the 37th overall pick, a second-round selection by the San Antonio Spurs. Analysts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo cite his age—23 by July 2025—and athletic limitations as reasons for his mid-tier ranking. However, other outlets are more optimistic. The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie projects Broome at No. 28 to the Boston Celtics, emphasizing his readiness as a backup center. Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman ranks him at No. 32, noting his high floor due to his rebounding, finishing, and interior defense.
Potential team fits include the Spurs, where Broome could pair with Victor Wembanyama, leveraging his screen-setting and passing to complement the superstar’s game. The Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers, both in need of interior depth, are also mentioned as possible destinations. Broome’s ability to contribute immediately as a reserve big, similar to Golden State’s Trayce Jackson-Davis, makes him appealing to playoff contenders. His draft stock, however, hinges on pre-draft workouts, where he must demonstrate improved shooting and defensive mobility.
- Draft projections from major outlets:
- ESPN: No. 37 (Spurs, second round).
- The Athletic: No. 28 (Celtics, first round).
- Bleacher Report: No. 32 (Celtics, second round).
- USA TODAY Sports: Late first round, No. 29.
Strengths that shine through
Broome’s game is built on intangibles and skill. His high basketball IQ allows him to read defenses, set effective screens, and make smart passes out of the post. At Auburn, he averaged a 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio, a rare feat for a big man. His rebounding prowess, particularly on the offensive end, puts constant pressure on opponents, with 3.7 offensive rebounds per game ranking him among the NCAA leaders. Broome’s soft touch around the rim, including left-handed hooks and floaters, makes him a reliable finisher, even against taller defenders.
Defensively, Broome compensates for his average wingspan with elite timing, averaging 2.1 blocks per game at Auburn. His ability to stay out of foul trouble—committing just 2.3 fouls per 40 minutes—reflects his discipline. While not a rim-rocking dunker, Broome’s strength and positioning enable him to hold his own in the paint. His 33% three-point shooting, though inconsistent, adds a stretch element, with clutch performances like two three-pointers in an overtime loss to Alabama showcasing his potential.
Athleticism concerns in the spotlight
The Duolingo troll capitalized on a real concern: Broome’s athletic profile. His 24.5-inch standing vertical leap is significantly lower than the 30-35 inches typical for NBA centers. Combined with a 7’0¼” wingspan, his physical tools are modest compared to prospects like Maluach or UConn’s Donovan Clingan. Broome’s lateral quickness is another weak point, making him vulnerable to switches against guards or wings in pick-and-roll situations. NBA teams prioritizing switchable bigs may hesitate to invest a high pick in him.
His age further complicates his draft outlook. At 23, Broome is older than most one-and-done prospects, reducing his perceived upside. Historical data shows mixed success for fifth-year seniors in the NBA, with Cam Johnson as a rare first-round success story. Broome’s combine performance, particularly the vertical leap, amplified these concerns, as scouts seek bigs who can protect the rim and keep pace in a fast, perimeter-oriented league. His ability to address these weaknesses in workouts will be crucial.
- Athletic limitations highlighted:
- 24.5-inch standing vertical leap, below average for NBA bigs.
- 7’0¼” wingspan, shorter than ideal for a center.
- Limited lateral quickness, struggles against perimeter switches.
- Age (23 by draft night) reduces perceived upside.
Duolingo’s viral marketing moment
Duolingo’s X post was a masterclass in brand engagement, turning a niche sports moment into a viral marketing opportunity. The app, known for its playful social media presence, has previously trolled figures like NFL players and celebrities, building a reputation for sharp humor. The Broome post, which linked to a promotion for Super Duolingo, garnered thousands of interactions, with users marveling at the app’s audacity. Some fans speculated Broome could use the jab as motivation, envisioning a future where he calls out Duolingo after NBA success.
The troll also sparked a broader conversation about social media’s role in shaping athlete narratives. While Broome’s combine video was factual, its amplification through Duolingo’s lens framed him as a punchline, overshadowing his strengths. Auburn fans countered with highlights of his college dominance, emphasizing his 37.6 PER and Final Four run. The incident underscored the double-edged sword of social media, where a single clip can define a player’s draft narrative, fairly or not.
Path from Morehead State to Auburn
Broome’s rise to NBA prospect status is a testament to his perseverance. As a high school sophomore, he barely saw the court, and his hometown Division I program, South Florida, never offered a scholarship. After starring at Morehead State, where he averaged 16.8 points and 3.9 blocks as a sophomore, Broome transferred to Auburn, seeking a bigger stage. His two seasons with the Tigers saw him evolve from a post scorer to a versatile hub, running dribble-handoffs and spotting up for threes.
His Final Four performance—17.3 points and 13.3 rebounds per game—cemented his legacy at Auburn, where he’s mentioned alongside Charles Barkley as one of the program’s greatest players. Broome’s chip-on-the-shoulder mentality, fueled by early rejections, has driven his improvement, from refining his jumper to enhancing his playmaking. His high school coach, Don Dziagwa, noted his competitive streak, which carried him from obscurity to All-American status.
NBA fit and role projections
Broome’s NBA role will likely be as a backup center, leveraging his rebounding, screen-setting, and interior scoring. Analysts compare him to Wendell Carter Jr. or Trayce Jackson-Davis, players who thrive despite modest athleticism. His ability to operate in drop coverage, using timing to block shots, suits teams with strong perimeter defenders. Offensively, Broome’s passing and touch make him a fit for halfcourt sets, though his three-point shooting (31.2% career) must improve to stretch defenses.
Teams like the Spurs, with Wembanyama’s length, could mask Broome’s defensive shortcomings, allowing him to focus on rebounding and finishing. The Celtics, projected to pick him at No. 28 or 32, value his high floor and readiness to contribute off the bench. Broome’s hustle and IQ align with playoff teams seeking cost-effective role players. His pre-draft process, including workouts and interviews, will determine whether he can climb into the first round.
- Potential NBA roles:
- Backup center in drop coverage schemes.
- Post scorer and screen-setter in halfcourt offenses.
- Secondary playmaker with high-post passing.
- Offensive rebounder to generate second-chance points.
Scouting concerns and improvements needed
Scouts remain divided on Broome’s NBA ceiling. His three-point shooting, which regressed to 28% in 2024-25 from 35% the prior year, is a critical swing skill. At 61% from the free-throw line, his shooting mechanics need refinement to become a reliable stretch big. Defensively, his lack of quick-twitch athleticism limits his switchability, forcing him to rely on positioning and anticipation. Against NBA centers with superior length or speed, Broome may struggle to hold his own.
To boost his draft stock, Broome must show progress in pre-draft workouts. Improving his three-point consistency, adding dribble moves to his face-up game, and demonstrating better lateral quickness could sway teams. His combine scrimmages showed promise, but the vertical leap video reinforced doubts about his explosiveness. Broome’s ability to address these concerns while highlighting his strengths will shape his draft fate.
Fan and analyst reactions
Auburn fans have been vocal in Broome’s defense, flooding X with highlights of his dominance against top competition, including Duke’s Cooper Flagg. Posts praised his hustle, with one user noting his 21.7 points and 15 rebounds per game in the 2024 Maui Invitational. Analysts, meanwhile, are split. The Athletic’s John Hollinger sees Broome as a first-round talent, comparing him to Jackson-Davis, while ESPN’s Givony and Woo project him as a second-rounder due to his age and athletic profile.
Social media sentiment reflects Broome’s polarizing status. Some users view him as a “safe” pick with a high floor, while others argue his lack of star upside makes him a risky investment. The Duolingo troll, while humorous, sparked a rally among Broome supporters, who emphasized his SEC Player of the Year award and Final Four heroics. The debate underscores the challenge of evaluating a prospect with elite college production but physical limitations.
- Notable reactions:
- Auburn fans highlighted Broome’s 37.6 PER and SEC dominance.
- Analysts debated his first- versus second-round value.
- X users compared Broome to Jokic, citing modest verticals.
- Duolingo’s troll fueled both criticism and support.
Broome’s resilience and motivation
Broome’s career is defined by overcoming adversity. As a three-star recruit, he was overlooked by major programs, yet he thrived at Morehead State and Auburn. His transfer to the SEC proved his ability to compete at the highest level, and his Final Four run silenced early doubters. The Duolingo troll, while stinging, aligns with the skepticism Broome has faced throughout his journey, from high school to the combine.
Coach Bruce Pearl described Broome as a player who “proves people wrong,” a sentiment echoed by teammates and fans. His combine performance, despite the viral misstep, showcased his readiness to compete against professional talent. As Broome prepares for the June 25, 2025, NBA Draft, his focus remains on workouts and interviews, where he aims to demonstrate the same grit that carried him from Tampa to Auburn’s record books.