Charles Barkley, a legendary figure in basketball and Auburn Tigers star, remains deeply connected to his alma mater. He appreciates Auburn’s recent success but acknowledges the challenges of high expectations, noting that while winning the SEC Tournament was great, losing in the first round was disappointing.
Barkley emphasized the program’s progress since his playing days, saying he never expected losing in the tournament to be seen as a letdown. He credited Bruce Pearl and his staff for elevating the program, which is now competing at a higher level.
Beyond men’s basketball, Barkley has also shown support for women’s sports, recently donating $1 million to the women’s basketball program. He expressed a desire to support their growth, highlighting his commitment to Auburn’s overall athletic success.