AUBURN, AL — Auburn forward Johni Broome was back on the court for practice Thursday, declaring he feels great with no pain in his right elbow ahead of the Tigers’ crucial Final Four game against Florida. As Auburn’s top scorer and emotional backbone, Broome’s health is vital for the team’s chances in this tournament.
Broome had a concerning moment during Auburn’s victory over Michigan State, where he injured his elbow. Although he left the game briefly for a medical evaluation, he returned to the court to the delight of the fans, scoring a 3-pointer shortly after. After holding off on practice until arriving in San Antonio, he is now confident about his readiness. “I’m ready to go. Taking it day by day, but I am set for Saturday,” Broome shared. “No limitations.”
Auburn’s coach, Bruce Pearl, expressed relief at Broome’s return to full practice, noting it was the first time he moved around extensively. Broome previously scored 25 points and grabbed 14 rebounds against Michigan State, showcasing his crucial role in the team’s success.
The health of players is a hot topic as Auburn prepares to face Florida, with Broome’s elbow injury being the focal point. Earlier this season, Broome successfully battled back from an ankle injury that sidelined him for two games.
On the other side, Florida is also dealing with injury concerns. Gators forward Alex Condon mentioned his sore ankle feels about “80 to 90%,” indicating he likely will be ready to compete against Auburn. Condon sustained the injury during Florida’s Sweet 16 victory over Maryland but managed to play significantly in their following game.
Meanwhile, at Duke, forward Maliq Brown’s recovery is underway as they gear up to face Houston in the semifinals. Brown has been dealing with a dislocated shoulder since mid-February but reported improvements in his condition after earlier struggles.
With key players returning from injuries, excitement is building as the tournament progresses, with fans eager to see how their favorite teams will perform.
