Is History Repeating Itself? From Charles Barkley to Johni Broome
41 years ago, on June 19th, with the fifth pick of the 1984 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers selected Charles Barkley from Auburn University. The 1983-84 SEC Player of the Year carved out a lucrative 16-year career in the NBA. In that period, he came away with a decorative resume: 11-time all-star, 11-time All-NBA, 1987 rebounding leader, 1991 all-star MVP, and even the 1993 MVP. Playing eight seasons with the Sixers, four seasons with the Suns, and four seasons with the Rockets. Although the former Auburn Tiger never won a ring in the NCAA or NBA, he can live vicariously through a new prospect. Now, only one question comes to mind. Is history about to repeat itself?
The 1993 MVP and Johni Broome share similar accomplishments in their NCAA career. Both were three-time All-SEC, SEC Tournament MVPs, and even the SEC Player of the Year. It’s no surprise that they both happened to wear four as their jersey number with Team USA, Charles Barkley, and Auburn Tiger Johni Broome. Although Broome was selected with the 35th pick, compared to Barkley’s fifth pick. Broome has the potential to build off of Barkley’s blueprint and become a dangerous, nightly double-double threat. We saw signs of that when he exploded for a valiant 25 points, 14 rebounds, with four being offensive, a double-double, and five blocks against Alabama. This unique statline was accomplished by the 1993 MVP six times in his career, all of which happened as a Sixer. This might be a sign of history shaping up to repeat itself. Although Broome’s dominance in Auburn remains to be seen as he showcases his skills in the 2K26 Summer League.
The 35th pick has had a relatively solid summer league. His first three games, in the Salt Lake City Summer League, left much to be desired. Averaging nine points, seven rebounds, with three being offensive rebounds, a steal, and a block per game. While shooting around 31% from the field, 28.6% from beyond the arc, and 45.5% from the charity stripe. During the NBA 2K26 Summer League, Broome showed off a glimpse of his Auburn prowess. Securing back-to-back double-doubles against the Wizards and the Mavericks. His averages saw a slight increase, going a little under 14 points, eight rebounds, with two offensive rebounds, a steal, and a block per game. He also shot 44.4% from the field, 52.6% from outside the arc, and 80% from the free throw line. So to wrap up his performance, this is what he averaged: Around 12 points, seven rebounds, with two offensive rebounds, a steal, and a block per game. Shooting 39.2% from the field, 38.9% from three, and 56.3% from the line. If compared to his Auburn stat sheet, the only thing Broome showed improvement in was his three-point percentage.
The NBA over the years has grown increasingly competitive since Barkley’s time in the league. The NBA is grabbing talent from across the world, which means that Broome has a lot to prove if he wants to have a long career. There is a chance that Broome will be balling for the Delaware Blue Coats, who housed two talented guards in Judah Mintz and Jalen Hood-Schifino. The young prospect shouldn’t have much to worry about, as he has already secured Barkley’s words of approval. In which the 1993 MVP admitted that Broome was a better collegiate player than Barkley during his tenure in the NCAA. For history to repeat itself, Broome would need to show why he’s their guy for the future. One of many goals to be accomplished for the 35th pick.
