Barkley Reflects on Auburn’s Journey to Final Four

San Antonio, Texas — Charles Barkley, the NBA Hall of Famer and former Auburn basketball star, is once again in the spotlight as his alma mater reaches the Final Four for the second time in recent years. This Saturday, April 1, he will appear on CBS during halftime coverage as the No. 1 seeded Tigers vie for their first national championship appearance.

Barkley, who played for the Tigers from 1981 to 1984, has been a vocal supporter of the program since its rise in the NCAA. Earlier this season, he humorously claimed he chose Auburn for its then-lack of success, stating, ‘I ain’t gonna lie, I picked Auburn because they sucked.’ His desire to play immediately fueled his decision to attend the university over programs like Alabama and UAB.

Upon joining Auburn, Barkley faced a struggling team that had suffered through three consecutive losing seasons and had never qualified for the NCAA Tournament. In his freshman season, the Tigers finished 14-14, with Barkley averaging 12.7 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. Over his three seasons, he helped the Tigers break new ground, culminating in a historic 20-win season during his junior year.

Despite an impressive first-round performance in the 1984 NCAA Tournament—where he posted 23 points and 17 rebounds—Auburn fell to No. 12 seed Richmond. Nevertheless, Barkley’s contributions were significant; he averaged 15.1 points, 9.5 rebounds, and tallied multiple accolades, including SEC Player of the Year honors in 1984.

Following his time at Auburn, Barkley was selected fifth overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1984 NBA Draft, just two picks after Michael Jordan. He became a key player on a team led by legends Julius Erving and Moses Malone, eventually earning an MVP award in 1993 while leading the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals.

As Auburn prepares for their national semifinal against SEC rival Florida, Barkley reflects on the importance of seizing the moment. ‘You can never take a moment for granted because, let’s be honest, there’s very few times you’re capable of winning a championship,’ he said, emphasizing the rare opportunity presented to student-athletes.

Today, the excitement surrounding Auburn’s basketball program highlights the legacy Barkley built during his time on campus. The 2025 squad, led by consensus All-American Johni Broome, enters the matchup with a 32-5 record, and the team has buzzed with potential this season.

As Barkley prepares to contribute to CBS’s coverage of the Final Four, he expresses pride in the Tigers’ remarkable journey. ‘It was one of the best basketball decisions I’ve ever made in my life going to Auburn because it gave me the opportunity to play as a freshman,’ he remarked. Now, he looks on with hope that this generation of players can carve out their own legacy.