Following his NBA Draft selection, Tahaad Pettiford gives Johni Broome a two-word message.

The NBA Draft is a celebration of futures realized, of hard work and promise coalescing into a life-changing moment. For Auburn’s electric guard Tahaad Pettiford, hearing his name called on draft night was just that: the culmination of a season filled with highlights, adversity, growth—and unforgettable relationships.

And while Pettiford took his first steps into the professional ranks, his attention briefly turned back to where it all started for him in college hoops. Specifically, he turned his gaze to one man who played a key role in shaping his trajectory in Auburn orange and blue—Johni Broome. In a brief, emotionally charged moment following his selection, Pettiford sent out a message directed at his former teammate that caught the attention of the college basketball world.

“Keep cooking.”

Two words. That’s all Pettiford needed.

But those two words packed a punch, encapsulating months of shared battles, late-night practices, team meetings, and the special bond formed between two leaders of a program that’s steadily become one of the nation’s most respected basketball powerhouses under head coach Bruce Pearl.

From Freshman Flash to NBA Future

Tahaad Pettiford came to Auburn as one of the most hyped prospects in the 2024 recruiting class. A McDonald’s All-American and consensus five-star recruit, Pettiford arrived with expectations as lofty as any guard in the program’s history. He didn’t shy away from the spotlight. Instead, he embraced it.

Over the course of the 2024-25 season, Pettiford averaged 14.2 points, 5.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, helping to lead Auburn to a Top 15 national ranking and a deep NCAA Tournament run. Known for his fearless drives to the basket, clutch shot-making, and relentless motor on both ends, Pettiford proved he could handle the physicality and speed of the college game—and more importantly, that his skills were transferable to the NBA.

But what defined his freshman season wasn’t just numbers. It was leadership, resilience, and an unwavering belief in his teammates, especially Johni Broome.

Johni Broome: The Veteran Anchor

While Pettiford was the fresh face of the program, Johni Broome was the heart and soul.

Broome, a senior big man with a unique mix of finesse and power, returned for one final season after testing the NBA Draft waters the year before. His decision to come back was driven in part by “unfinished business,” and also by a desire to help groom Auburn’s young stars—Pettiford chief among them.

The chemistry between the two was evident from day one. Broome, who averaged 17.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks, was a calming presence when the game sped up. Pettiford, in turn, was the spark, injecting pace and unpredictability that freed up Broome in the post.

Together, they formed one of the most dynamic inside-out duos in the country.

And while Pettiford was already NBA-bound, Broome’s future remains up in the air. Some insiders believe he could be a second-round selection in the upcoming draft, while others suggest a potential return via COVID eligibility or a lucrative overseas offer.

Whatever Broome decides, it’s clear Pettiford wants the big man to continue doing what he does best—cooking.

“Keep Cooking”: A Brotherhood Built on Respect

Pettiford’s message wasn’t just a casual shout-out. It was an acknowledgment. It was appreciation.

“Keep cooking,” he told reporters again when asked about Broome during post-draft media. “There were moments this season where I felt like I was struggling or doubting myself, and Johni was the first one there to lift me up. He’s not just a teammate. That’s my brother.”

Sources close to the program say Broome often went out of his way to mentor Pettiford behind the scenes. Whether it was extra work in the gym, film sessions, or staying late to go over pick-and-roll coverages, Broome was committed to Pettiford’s development.

“Tahaad’s got that dog in him, no doubt,” Broome said in a March interview. “But being young in this game, you need people who’ve seen it before to show you the ropes. I just tried to be that guy.”

Auburn’s Locker Room Vibe: Culture Over Everything

What makes Auburn basketball different under Bruce Pearl is the emphasis on relationships. The locker room isn’t just a collection of athletes. It’s a brotherhood.

Pettiford and Broome symbolized that to perfection—one a rising freshman star, the other a seasoned leader trying to leave a legacy.

Their connection was seen in countless games throughout the season. On one memorable night in January against Tennessee, Pettiford hit a step-back three to tie the game in the closing seconds, and Broome sealed the win with a buzzer-beating tip-in. The celebration afterward was pure joy. Pettiford leaped into Broome’s arms. Cameras caught the moment and fans still share it on social media as a symbol of Auburn’s unity.

That moment, perhaps more than any other, summed up their bond: trust, celebration, and shared glory.

NBA Scouts Took Notice—Of Both

Scouts at the NBA Draft Combine this year raved about Pettiford’s quickness, vision, and composure, noting that his court maturity was rare for a one-and-done player. What many didn’t expect, however, was how often Pettiford brought up Broome during his interviews.

“He’s a pro’s pro,” Pettiford said during one sit-down with ESPN. “He’s got the footwork, the post presence, the IQ. Anyone who gets him is getting a steal.”

Some front offices have already pegged Broome as a potential late first- or early second-round pick due to his ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions. Others believe he could elevate his stock even further with strong showings in upcoming workouts.

Regardless, Pettiford’s message served as a rallying cry not just for Broome—but for any team considering him.

Broome Responds

Within minutes of Pettiford’s post-draft comments hitting social media, Broome responded with a simple tweet:

“Always. 🫡 Proud of you, bro.”

Later that night, he added a photo carousel to Instagram with the caption:

“One year. One mission. One family. Keep shining, TP.”

It was a full-circle moment for two players who walked very different paths but shared one unforgettable season together.

Bruce Pearl Weighs In

Head coach Bruce Pearl, who’s built Auburn into an SEC powerhouse with a culture of player development and loyalty, beamed with pride as he discussed Pettiford and Broome after the draft.

“Tahaad is going to be a star at the next level, and Johni already is one,” Pearl said in an interview with the Auburn Observer. “What makes this even more special is the love and respect these guys have for each other. That’s what we try to build here.”

Pearl continued, “You hear a message like ‘Keep cooking,’ and it’s more than just basketball. It’s one man telling another, ‘I believe in you. Keep doing what makes you great.’ That’s powerful.”

What Comes Next?

For Pettiford, the journey continues now in the NBA. Early projections have him fitting in as a backup guard with upside on a team looking to add energy and youth. His immediate future will involve Summer League action, training camps, and the whirlwind of adapting to life as a professional.

Broome, meanwhile, faces a critical decision: enter the NBA Draft, test the waters again, or possibly return to Auburn for a final encore.

If he does come back, it’ll be without his backcourt mate—but with a new crop of young Tigers hungry to make their own mark. And if he moves on, he’ll do so with the backing of one of the brightest young names in basketball.

Legacy Through Brotherhood

In a sports world often dominated by transactions, rankings, and stats, it’s refreshing to see genuine moments of connection shine through. Pettiford’s two-word message may seem simple on the surface, but it speaks volumes about what college sports—at their best—can be.

“Keep cooking” is more than encouragement. It’s a passing of the torch. It’s one star acknowledging another, and one friend cheering for another’s journey—wherever it may lead.

Auburn fans will remember Tahaad Pettiford for his explosiveness, his swagger, and his poise beyond his years. But they’ll also remember the way he respected and elevated those around him—especially Johni Broome.

That’s the kind of legacy that endures.