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76ers' Johni Broome Reveals Clever Reason Behind Jersey Number Change

Johni Broome will wear No. 22 as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Eric Jay Santos|
Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) reacts after losing to the Florida Gators in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) reacts after losing to the Florida Gators in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

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Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers selected Johni Broome with the No. 35 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. For the 2024-2025 college season, Broome averaged 18.6 points and 10.8 rebounds for Auburn. He was later named The Sporting News Player of the Year. 

During his three-year stint with the Auburn Tigers, Broome had No. 4 on his jersey number. However, the 76ers rookie will be wearing No. 22 going forward. 

In an interview with the Philadelphia 76ers media team, Broome explained the reasoning behind his choice.  

“It felt great. I had to change my number because 4 is retired for Dolph [Schayes], so I went with 22. Two plus two equals four. New chapter in my life.”

Johni Broome
Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) dribbles the ball on Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) during the second half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Dolph Schayes played his 16-year career between the Syracuse Nationals and their successors, the 76ers. Schayes was a 12-time All-Star and 12-time All-NBA selection. The Basketball Hall of Famer won an NBA championship with the Nationals in 1955. 

Broome’s number change gives him an opportunity to establish himself as a top player to wear No. 22 for the 76ers. The most notable instance is Andrew Toney, who earned two All-Star selections during his time with the team. Recent players that have worn No. 22 for Philadelphia include Matisse Thybulle, Patrick Beverley, Cameron Payne, Oshae Brissett, and Pete Nance. 

Broome will get his first taste of NBA action in the Salt Lake City Summer League. Philadelphia’s opening game is set for July 5 against the Utah Jazz. The following week, they are scheduled to face the Oklahoma City Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies.

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Eric Jay Santos
ERIC JAY SANTOS

Eric Santos is a contributing writer for Philadelphia 76ers on SI. In 2020, Eric first covered the Houston Rockets for SB Nation, where he created statistical analysis, original opinions, and historical breakdowns in his coverage for the team. In addition to his role as a contributing writer, Eric also served as a social media manager for The Dream Shake. In 2023, Eric was a contributing writer for Boston Celtics on SI, covering the team’s NBA Championship run.

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