34 in 2001, making him one of only six players to have their jersey hang in the Auburn Arena rafters in the program’s 116-year history.īarkley was once an overlooked short and stocky kid from Leeds, but NBA scouts clamored for his instinctual feel for the game and his bulldog tenacity. Smith.ĭuring his time with the orange and blue, Barkley ascended to elite-level player, winning the 1984 SEC Player of the Year Award and 1984 SEC Tournament MVP, holding the school record for field-goal percentage at 64.4%, and being named to the All-SEC First Team in 1984 and All-SEC Second Team in 19. Going against the top-ranked recruit in Alabama, McDonald’s All-America and future NBA sixth-round pick Bobby Lee Hurt, Barkley dropped 26 points and attracted the notice of Auburn University Assistant Coach Charles H. His stellar play didn’t garner attention from collegiate coaches, but his luck would change in the state semifinals vs. His efforts led the Leeds High School Green Wave to a 26-3 record in 1981 and the program’s fourth appearance in the state tournament. Having nabbed a starting spot on the varsity team his senior year, he blossomed into a player who averaged 19.1 points and 17.9 rebounds per game. Long before gracing the masses with his on-air persona, Barkley made his way through the high school basketball ranks in Leeds, AL. He is one of the most influential figures in sports history, with a personality and voice that transcend the entire media industry.” “There is no one like Charles,” says Turner Sports President Lenny Daniels. His brutal honesty has provided unfettered insights into the psyche of a professional basketball player and a character who plays by his own set of rules. Now they have a new one to learn: Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer.Īn unabashed analyst on one of the most successful studio shows in the history of sports entertainment, Inside the NBA, Barkley is always willing to discuss any topic at any time and go toe-to-toe with anyone in the business. Many sports fans know Charles Barkley’s manifold nicknames: Sir Charles, the Chuckster, the Round Mound of Rebound. SVG is profiling the nine inductees in the weeks prior. “He was really mad and I had to let it go ’cause once I realized once he flips the switch to mad, anything can happen,” he further added.In a ceremony postponed by the pandemic, the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame Class of 2020 will be inducted on Dec. Reflecting on that, Sir Charles recently stated, “Shaq was so mad, he didn’t speak to us the rest of the night or the next day”. He kept interrupting the 3x Finals MVP and it eventually infuriated the latter. Charles still tries to throw the 7’1 icon under the bus at every opportunity he gets, while the latter never forgets to remind the former of his championship rings as a counter.Īmidst the professionalism, Barkley has taken it a bit too far at times with the ‘One-two-back-to-one’ episode in 2019 being one such example. Alongside Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith, the duo has graced the studio set of the show together since 2011. More than half a decade since his comments on Shaq, their relationship has remained as strong as ever. Nothing has changed between Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal Around this time last year, the two hugged it out on live TV after Barkley showed his appreciation for Shaq in an emotional monologue. However, both NBA legends have reiterated numerous times that they have immense respect and love for each other despite giving each other a hard time on TV. The Diesel teasing Charles for not having any rings and being overweight will never be boring for fans. Yet, he emphasized enjoying giving the 4x champion a tough time, mentioning, “I’m gonna keep digging at him because I love to see him sweat.”īarkley and Shaq’s banter has been peak TV for as long as basketball fans can remember. “We’re always good, man,” the Chuckster highlighted hinting at the brotherhood between the former NBA rivals. Despite the love-hate dynamic between them, Charles pointed out the strong bond the NBA greats share.
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