Auburn University’s basketball program is currently at the top of the rankings in the NCAA, but the achievement comes with a significant setback. As of this week, Auburn has taken the coveted No. 1 spot from the Tennessee Volunteers, following Tennessee’s shocking defeat against Florida. However, the situation for the Tigers has been complicated by the injury of their star player, Johni Broome.
In Auburn’s recent victory against South Carolina, Broome suffered a sprained ankle after an unfortunate landing. During the play, he landed awkwardly on teammate Chancey Johnson’s foot while going for a rebound. This incident forced Broome to exit the game early, and he did not return. The news worsened when, the following day, the Tigers confirmed that Broome would be out indefinitely due to the ankle sprain. Fortunately, there is some positive news: he will not require surgery. Though the exact timeline for his return remains unclear, there is hope he will be back on the court before the end of the season.
Broome has been a vital player for Auburn, averaging 17.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game this season. While the team is expected to manage without their leading scorer, they face a demanding schedule ahead. Over the next few weeks, Auburn will take on five ranked teams in a span of seven games, starting with a home game against No. 15 Mississippi State, followed by a challenging match against No. 23 Georgia.
If Broome’s recovery allows him to return in a timely manner, the team should be able to maintain their momentum in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). However, if his recovery extends beyond the next few weeks, Auburn may face significant challenges as they approach the tournament season.
In other developments across college basketball, Iowa State has risen to No. 2 in the rankings following an impressive overtime win against Texas Tech. This victory marks their 11th consecutive win and establishes their highest ranking in program history. Meanwhile, Duke has moved up as well, thanks to standout performances, including Cooper Flagg’s remarkable 42-point game against Notre Dame. This performance set a new record for the most points scored by a Duke freshman in a single game, breaking the previous record held by Zion Williamson.
As the college basketball season progresses, fans can expect some exciting matchups in the coming weeks. On Tuesday, January 14, key games to watch include No. 15 Mississippi State facing off against No. 1 Auburn, No. 21 Ole Miss at No. 4 Alabama, and No. 11 Texas A&M visiting No. 8 Kentucky.
Looking further into the weekend, on Saturday, January 18, several highly anticipated games will take place, including Alabama’s matchup against Kentucky and Iowa State’s game at West Virginia. Sunday will feature a showdown between No. 19 Illinois and No. 12 Michigan State.
As we move towards the end of January, the Associated Press men’s basketball poll reflects the current landscape of the league. The top five teams consist of Auburn, Iowa State, Duke, Alabama, and Florida. This ranking highlights the competitiveness of college basketball this season, with many teams showing great potential for advancement in the upcoming conference tournaments.
The complete Associated Press men’s basketball poll for January 13, 2025, is as follows:
1. Auburn (15-1)
2. Iowa State (14-1)
3. Duke (14-2)
4. Alabama (14-2)
5. Florida (15-1)
6. Tennessee (15-1)
7. Marquette (14-2)
8. Kentucky (13-3)
9. Kansas (12-3)
10. Houston (12-3)
11. Texas A&M (13-3)
12. Michigan State (14-2)
13. Oregon (15-2)
14. UConn (13-4)
15. Mississippi State (14-2)
16. Gonzaga (14-4)
17. Purdue (13-4)
18. Memphis (13-3)
19. Illinois (12-4)
20. Michigan (13-3)
21. Ole Miss (14-2)
22. Utah State (16-1)
23. Georgia (14-2)
24. Wisconsin (13-3)
25. Baylor (11-4)
As the season unfolds, fans, players, and coaches alike are eager to see how teams will navigate the challenges ahead, especially with crucial games on the horizon.
