"He's the biggest dog": National Player of the Year frontrunner Johni Broome's mother got hyped on the Auburn star's rise to fame

Johni Broome has emerged as one of the top players in College Basketball, steadily improving over three years at Morehead State before exploding onto the national scene with No. 4-ranked Auburn. The 6-foot-10 senior is leading the Tigers in scoring (20.7 points), rebounding (12.9 rebounds), assists (3.3 assists) and blocks (3.3 blocks).

While he's been playing as a key cog in Bruce Pearl's NCAA Tournament contending team, ESPN's Jay Williams reported on Wednesday that Broome is in the conversation for the National Player of the Year award. The forward's mother, Julie Broome, who has been along for the ride and is his biggest cheerleader, said on Thursday:

"He’s the biggest dog. Everybody’s smaller than big dog. ... I know my son. I know the hard work and dedication he’s put in. I know his resilience. I know his integrity, his game — and he doesn’t stop.

"And when it comes to competition, he ain’t gonna go down. He invites it. Bring it on. He’s a competitor, and he’s a winner and now, he’s a champion." [h/t New York Times]

Auburn (7-0) has already conquered powerhouse programs like No. 6-ranked Houston, No. 5-ranked Iowa State and No. 12-ranked North Carolina.

The team beat the Memphis Tigers 90-76 on Wednesday to clinch the Maui Invitational. Johni Broome was a key contributor in the tournament, posting 21 points against Iowa State, 23 points against UNC and 21 points against Memphis.

Jay Williams on Johni Broome's contention for Player of the Year award

Johni Broome, the reigning SEC Tournament MVP, has ESPN analyst Jay Williams convinced that he should be at the top of the early watchlist:

"I know talking about the National Player of the Year Award before Thanksgiving is similar to talking about the Heisman in August, but I don’t care. [Broome], against three Top-15 opponents – North Carolina, Houston, Iowa State – is averaging 21 points per game, 13 rebounds on 57% shooting."

Through the first seven games, Johni Broome has recorded double-doubles in five and racked up 20 or more points in the same number of contests. He scored a season-high 30 points in the Tigers' victory over North Alabama on Thursday. In addition, Broome grabbed 19 rebounds, his best this season, against the Tar Heels and rejected five shots in a win over Houston.

Auburn’s next challenge is a road game against No. 11 Duke (5-2) as part of the ACC/SEC Challenge.