As the 2024-2025 college basketball season winds down, one of the biggest storylines in the country is the battle for National Player of the Year.

It’s turned into a two-horse race between Auburn’s Johni Broome and Duke’s Cooper Flagg. Both players have made their case throughout the season, but the decision will ultimately be in the hands of the voters.

Ahead of Auburn’s final regular season game against Alabama Saturday, Broome was asked about how he’s handled the race and the attention that comes with it.

“I mean, you can try to (ignore it). But, obviously, it’s everywhere,” Broome told reporters Friday. “You see it. But obviously, my goal is to play basketball. My job is to win championships. I’m going into each game trying to win for my team. I just let everybody else make the decisions on that.”

Broome is currently averaging 18 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game, leading the Southeastern Conference in rebounding and placing fourth in scoring. Flagg is averaging 19.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game, scoring 22 in Duke’s win over Auburn in December.

Saturday will be Broome’s final chance in the regular season to make his case for the award, and it will also be his final game inside Neville Arena.

“Obviously, it’s going to be an emotional game. Auburn’s been good to me,” Broome said. “It’s going to be fun though. But kinda like a bittersweet moment, especially against Alabama.”

Auburn’s rematch with Alabama is set to tip off at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. The game will be televised on ESPN.

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at [email protected]m