As Bruce Pearl leads Auburn to the Final Four for the second time in seven years, the Tigers’ most famous basketball alumna revisits his remarks to the 2019 team.
Charles Barkley Reflects on Auburn’s Inaugural Final Four Run
Collegiate and professional basketball Hall-of-Famer Charles Barkley was an 11-time NBA All-Star and the league’s MVP in 1993 with the Phoenix Suns. He was also a member of the Dream Team that stormed its way to a gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Summer Games before adding a second gold four years later in Atlanta.
Charles Barkley on Auburn’s Final Four run: “Hey, now you here, you got an opportunity to cement your legacy for the rest of your life.”
Barkley reflects on his message to Auburn’s 2019 Final Four team and why the 2025 squad can’t take any moment for granted. @TheFieldOf68 pic.twitter.com/Duli7lYzzq
— Vince Wolfram (@vincewolfram15) April 1, 2025
But in his heart, the “Round Mound of Rebound” will always be an Auburn man first.
Before Barkley was drafted fifth overall by the Philadelphia 76ers after his junior year in 1984, he was a three-time All-SEC selection with the Tigers. He averaged 14.1 points and 9.6 rebounds over three years, culminating with him being named the SEC Player of the Year in 1984.
Barkley led that team to a 20-11 record under coach Sonny Smith, including the school’s first-ever appearance in the NCA Tournament.
Alas, despite Barkley’s 23-point, 17-rebound performance, the fifth-seeded Tigers dropped a 72-71 decision to No. 12 seed Richmond in an East Regional First-Round game.
And then, 35 years later, after Barkley had concluded his Hall-of-Fame career and settled into his role as a gregarious analyst on TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” he saw his school reach the Final Four for the first time.
Now, on the eve of the Tigers’ second appearance in the Final Four, he revisited what he said to the 2019 squad with Vince Wolfram, a basketball analyst with The Field of 68.
“You can never take a moment because, let’s be honest, there’s very few times you’re capable of winning a championship,” Barkley told the 2019 Auburn contingent.
“I was so proud of those kids in that moment, and I said, ‘Hey, now you are here, you got an opportunity to cement your legacy for the rest of your life.'”
Barkley, who said he never thought Auburn would reach the Final Four in his wildest dreams, reflected on his own time at Auburn during the interview.
KEEP READING: ‘War Damn Eagle!’ — Charles Barkley Rallies Behind Auburn for March Madness Run
“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 … So, it really helped me grow and mature as a player.”
That 2019 Bryce Brown-led team lost, 62-61, to eventual national champion Virginia in the Final Four, finishing the season 30-10. This year’s group, led by consensus All-American Johni Broome, is 32-5 heading into its national semifinal match Saturday night against SEC rival Florida at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
Barkley, who will take part in CBS’ studio coverage of the Final Four, will doubt be looking on with pride.
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