Charles Barkley, Whether it’s for his impact on basketball or his colorful persona, Charles Barkley is regarded as one of the legends of the sport. We can always connect him with his time at Auburn University, which is where his glorious journey began. Barkley was born in Leeds, Alabama on February 20, 1963. He emerged from a small town into a national figure for not only college basketball, but the entire NBA.
Auburn University: A New Beginning
In 1981, when Charles Barkley stepped into Auburn, he was coached by Sonny Smith. That season, Auburn’s basketball program was struggling to break past mediocrity. The previous seasons had been spent without the team making it to the NCAA Tournament. With Barkley’s presence along with several other contributing factors, that was all about to change. His desire to attend Auburn stemmed from the sole purpose of being the starter on that roster. His quote, “I chose Auburn because they sucked” is a perfect depiction of his tenacious attitude as well as the narrative and track record we would become used to as the years went on.
Charles Barkley Set Records While at Auburn
Barkley made his presence known in the very first year at Auburn. The Auburn Tigers had an even record of 14-14, but Barkley single-handedly carried the team. His averages of 12.7 points for the season with 59.5% shooting along with 9.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and almost a steal showcased his potential.
Barkley’s second year was even better as he led the Tigers to an improved 15-13 record, which was their first winning season in 6 years. He did not stop there and improved his performance to 14.4 points per game with 64.4% shooting, 9.5 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.1 steals. His two-way dominance really showcased his bright future in the game.
Auburn’s Breakthrough Season
Charles Barkley third year as a player came to be known as one of the most impactful seasons in Auburn basketball history. The Tigers achieved a milestone by finishing the season with a winning record of 20-12, placing them as the fifth seed in the NCAA Tournament. Although Auburn was also eliminated in the first round by Richmond, Barkley’s individual performance during the season—scoring an average of 15.1 points alongside 9.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game—resulted in him being recognized as one of the top players in the nation.
With Barkley’s success at Auburn, it was easy to see why he was considering declaring for the NBA Draft and that season seemed to be the ideal time.
The NBA Journey Begins
Charles Barkley was selected as the fifth overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers just two picks after Michael Jordan was picked by the Bulls. Barkley’s addition to a roster firmly populated with legends such as Julius Erving and Moses Malone certainly offered an exciting future for the Philadelphia 76ers. Barkley’s immediate impact and intense drive only accelerated his journey to NBA greatness.
Barkley earned the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 1993, led the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals in the same year, and became the face of the NBA by appearing in 11 All-Star games. Barkley represented the United States and won two Olympic gold medals in 1992 and 96, and he was later inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
A Legacy Beyond the Court
Barkley had a significant impact in the NBA and his career is regarded as unparalleled. Charles Barkley garnered attention for his strong and energetic playing style. Even after he put down the jersey in 2000, Barkley remained the voice of reason, a popular analyst on TNT, who gave unfiltered and eclectic opinions about the league.
Barkley’s story is incredibly motivational. He was born into a racially segregated world in Alabama and his town’s segregated hospital served as his birthplace. Despite these challenges, he became famous as an athlete during the course of his NBA career, earning himself 40 million dollars and later enjoyed a considerable standing in sports broadcasting.
Charles Barkley’s Stats at Auburn
Here are some of Barkley’s remarkable statistics during his period at Auburn:
- 1981-82: 12.7 points with 9.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks, 1.1 assists, and 0.5 steals per game.
- 1982-83: 14.4 points, 9.5 rebounds with 1.6 blocks, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.
- 1983-84: 15.1 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks with 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
Barkley’s Ongoing Support for Auburn
Even in retirement, Charles Barkley, an Auburn University alumnus, remains an ardent supporter of the institution. He is still a strong supporter of the program, and he has been involved with the team for a long time. As Auburn basketball advances deeper into the NCAA Tournament, Barkley’s Auburn pride shines, and he frequently shows up to root for his team.
Conclusion
The life of Charles Barkley is not only based on basketball. It is about overcoming struggles and achieving great things while serving as a role model. Defying the odds, leaving a legacy, and transforming one’s life is something that happens in most cases, and in this scenario, it happened with Barkley, who, throughout his life, came from humble beginnings in Leeds, Alabama to one of the most recognizable figures in sports history.
Throughout his career, Barkley displayed that true greatness is an internal matter. His journey will inspire generations of athletes and fans alike.
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