After sustaining an injury while attempting a rebound State of Georgia, Auburn center Johni Broome returned to the bench in a hoodie. He also appeared to have ice on his right shoulder.

Broome is making a strong case for National Player of the Year early on, helping Auburn start the year 9-1. Entering Tuesday night, he was averaging 19.7 points and 12.7 rebounds, leading the Tigers’ attack.

At the time of his departure, Broome had two points in two minutes of play. Against Georgia State, however, Auburn remained in full control and took a 43-31 halftime lead. Chaney Johnson led the first half with 13 points and six rebounds Chad Baker Mazara was just behind with 11 points.

Broome had one of its biggest games of the year last time out. He scored 21 points and grabbed 20 rebounds Ohio State to lead Auburn to a stunning 91-53 victory. The Tigers’ only blemish came against dukewhich won an 84-78 thriller earlier this month.

Still, Broome is generating a lot of buzz around college basketball. ESPN’s, in fact Jay Williams declared him to be former favorite At the end of last month he was named national player of the year.

“I know that 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,” Williams said. “This guy, against three top-15 opponents – North Carolina, Houston, Iowa State – Averages 21 points per game, 13 rebounds on 57% shooting. So far in the first half (against Memphis) 15 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three blocks.

“If we were to have a conversation about National Player of the Year before Thanksgiving, Johni Broome’s name would be at the top of that category. He’s 22 years old, he understands how to play, his offensive game has gotten better. I think you’re looking at the complete package.”