Johni Broome ruled out in Auburn basketball’s game vs Mississippi State: What’s next?

Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl opened Monday’s press conference with the latest injury update on Johni Broome.

Broome went down with an ankle injury sidelining him the remainder of last weekend’s 66-63 victory over South Carolina.

The university announced Broome’s injury as a non-surgical ankle sprain. Pearl confirmed Monday that there is no timetable on his return as of now.

“I don’t know that we’re the best team in the country right now. Probably not right now, because we’re obviously not at full strength,” Pearl said. “Johni won’t play [Tuesday] against Mississippi State, but we’re still a really good team. So, we’ll prepare without him.”

When Broome dealt with his shoulder injury against Geogia State earlier this year, Auburn leaned on Dylan Cardwell and Chaney Johnson in the frontcourt.

With four of the Tigers next five opponents ranked in the top-25, transfer wing Jaheim Hudson will play huge role in the rotation.

“I’m just trying to keep a clear head. I feel like I’m prepared. I’ve been working this whole time even though I haven’t been playing a lot,” Hudson said. “I’m just preparing, trying to lock in on defense and just get stops. That’s really my main focus in the game right now when I get my chance.”

Auburn sixth man Johnson was in a familiar situation last year when Jaylin Williams went down for a few games. For Johnson, being back in the starting lineup means being keen on his decision-making.

“I’ll just say being more locked in. When [Jaylin Williams] got hurt and I knew I had to step up big time for Georgia,” Johnson said. “I’d just say being more physical, being more confident and being smarter with a couple decisions I make on the court.”

“I can’t be making stupid fouls and being overly physical. I’ve got to play a lot smarter than I have been.”

Despite not having his Preseason All-American at the moment, Pearl is still confident in the depth of his lineup ahead of Auburn’s next stretch of conference games.

“Getting back to it, I have confidence that all our guys can step up their scoring. Dylan, Chaney, Chad, Denver, Miles, Tahaad, Jahki and Chris,” Pearl said. “I just think, I think everybody has an opportunity. We have enough talent to be able to have everybody do a little bit more, I think that’s the best way to approach his loss.”

Auburn and Mississippi State will tipoff at 6 p.m. Tuesday inside Neville Arena.