Although still November, Williams says it is not too early to throw Auburn forward Johni Broome’s name into Player of the Year talks after his stellar performances against top talent.

Broome had 21 points, 16 rebounds, six assists, four blocks, two 3-pointers and one steal in the Maui title game domination of Memphis.

After a magnificent march through Maui, the Tigers are the nation's top team and Johni Broom is the nation's top player

Auburn basketball senior Johni Broome is making a strong case for player of the year honors, including hitting a rare 36-year-old mark.

Johni Broome scored 21 points and grabbed 16 rebounds to lead No. 4 Auburn to the Maui Invitational championship with a 90-76 win over Memphis.

Auburn played its seventh game of the season on Wednesday, but Jay Williams saw enough to put Johni Broome in contention for college basketball’s top honor. He declared him the early favorite to win National Player of the Year.

A uburn looks the part of a national contender this year in large part due to the play of Johni Broome. The Tigers boast one of college basketball's deepest teams with six players

Iowa State led by 18 at one point against the Auburn basketball team on Monday, but the Tigers found a way to come back. Johni Broome made the biggest play of the game on the offensive end, but it all started with the defense in the second half for the Tigers.

Johni Broome scored on a putback with one second left to help No. 4 Auburn rally to an 83-81 win over No. 5 Iowa State in a Maui Invitational quarterfinal.

Johni Broome had 21 points and 16 rebounds to lead No. 4 Auburn to the Maui Invitational championship with a 90-76 win over Memphis on Wednesday.