Johni Broome Goes Viral For Unfortunate Reason at NBA Combine
From 2023 to 2025, Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome was one of, if not the best, bigs in college basketball. However, that does not mean he is destined for stardom at the NBA level.
On Tuesday, Broome participated in the 2025 NBA Combine. His shooting left a lot to be desired, but his standing vertical leap went viral for all the wrong reasons.
Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4). Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The former Auburn Tigers basketball star became the unexpected subject of online ridicule after ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony posted a clip of Broome's standing vertical jump from the 2025 NBA Combine. The video quickly went viral, not because of its impressiveness, but because of the shocking lack of explosiveness.
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Fans pounced on the reigning SEC Player of the Year's lackluster bounce, roasting Broome in the replies for what many perceived as underwhelming athleticism. The criticism was steadfast, but reached new heights when learning language platform Duolingo joined the mix.
"Learn Chinese and try Super Duolingo today!" the official Duolingo account quote tweeted on Givony's video, reigniting the mass hysteria around Broome's combine lowlight.
The joke, for those unfamiliar with NBA internet lore, cuts deep. For years, fans have quickly poked fun at players who have failed to meet expectations by suggesting their talents are best suited for a basketball career in China. The graphic of NBA commissioner Adam Silver saying "Get ready to learn Chinese, buddy," is the most famous way for fans to intertwine China and the NBA.
Broome, a two-time All-SEC selection and the heart of Auburn's frontcourt over the past two seasons, has been a consistent and physical force in college basketball. His skill set lends to a more throwback style of play, with the forward opting to play with his back to the basket. Although mainly a two-way post presence, Broome has developed a decent three-point shot in recent years.
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Broome entered the 2025 NBA Combine with a second-round draft grade despite his laundry list of accolades, including leading Auburn to the Final Four last season. He averaged a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double last year with Auburn posting a 32-6 record. Nevertheless, his lack of perceived NBA traits has him fighting for a slot in the backend of the 2025 NBA Draft.
Related: Indiana Fever Make DeWanna Bonner Announcement Before Preseason Debut
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