Where Did Charles Barkley Go To College?

Charles Barkley is one of the most iconic basketball players in NBA history. Nicknamed “Sir Charles” and “The Round Mound of Rebound”, Barkley played 16 seasons in the NBA and is considered one of the greatest power forwards of all time.

But before all of his professional success, Barkley began his basketball career in college. In this comprehensive article, we will explore Barkley’s college background and where he played before making it to the NBA.

Overview of Charles Barkley’s College Basketball Career

Charles Barkley attended Auburn University in Alabama from 1981 to 1984 where he played college basketball for the Auburn Tigers. Some key facts about his college career:

• He stood at 6’6″ and weighed approximately 250 lbs while at Auburn. His size and physicality made him a rebounding force.
• Barkley averaged 14.8 points per game and 9.6 rebounds per game during his 3-year college career.
• He shot 58.2% from the field overall during college.
• In 3 seasons, Barkley totaled 1,670 points and 1,096 rebounds with the Tigers.
• He helped lead Auburn to their first NCAA tournament appearance in school history in 1984. They made it to the Sweet Sixteen.

Barkley put together an impressive collegiate career at Auburn that foreshadowed his NBA success. Next, we’ll take a deeper look at his three seasons with the Tigers.

Freshman Season (1981-1982)

In his freshman season at Auburn, Charles Barkley made an immediate impact and showed flashes of the dominant player he would become. Some highlights include:

• Averaged 13.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game
• Named SEC Freshman of the Year
• Set an Auburn record with 17 rebounds vs. Birmingham Southern
• Had 7 games with at least 15 rebounds during the season
• Led the SEC in rebounding with 9.5 per game in conference play

Barkley’s outstanding first season at Auburn proved he could compete against top-tier talent in major college basketball.

Sophomore Season (1982-1983)

In his second season, Barkley continued to put up big numbers:

• Averaged 15.8 points and 11.5 rebounds per game
• Shot 60.9% from the field on the season
• Had 19 double-doubles for points and rebounds
• Set a new Auburn record with 27 rebounds in a game vs. Missouri
• Named First Team All-SEC

Barkley’s scoring and rebounding numbers increased significantly in his sophomore campaign as he emerged as one of the most dominant post players in the country.

Junior Season (1983-1984)

Barkley’s junior and final season at Auburn was his best yet:

• Averaged 17.4 points and 12.8 rebounds per game
• Shot 64.8% from the field, the 5th best season FG% in Division I history
• Named SEC Player of the Year
• Named Second Team All-American
• Led Auburn to their first ever NCAA Tournament appearance, made it to Sweet Sixteen

He averaged a remarkable double-double for the season and led Auburn to new heights before forgoing his senior year to enter the NBA Draft.

Why Did Charles Barkley Choose Auburn?

So why did Charles Barkley end up at Auburn for his collegiate career? There were several factors that led him to become a Tiger:

• Location – Barkley was born and raised in Alabama, so Auburn allowed him to stay in state for college.
• Coaching Staff – Barkley developed a strong relationship with Auburn’s head coach Sonny Smith during the recruiting process. This comfort level with the coaches influenced his decision.
• Playing Time – Auburn was coming off several losing seasons when Barkley committed in 1981. This gave him a great chance to play right away as a freshman.
• Facilities – Auburn had excellent facilities and a passionate fan base that created a great college basketball atmosphere.

Staying close to home and bonding with the coaches were two key reasons Barkley decided that Auburn was the right fit for his basketball talents coming out of high school. It ended up being a very successful partnership.

Table of Charles Barkley’s College Basketball Stats

Season	Points per Game	Rebounds per Game	Field Goal %
Freshman	13.1	9.5	57.2
Sophomore	15.8	11.5	60.9
Junior	17.4	12.8	64.8

Charles Barkley’s Accomplishments and Legacy at Auburn

Barkley may have only played three seasons at Auburn, but he left behind an incredibly impressive legacy as one of the program’s all-time greats:

• All-time leader in rebounds – Barkley’s 1,096 career rebounds remains the Auburn record by a wide margin
• Single season rebound record – His 406 rebounds during his junior season also remains a Tiger record
• First retired jersey – Barkley became the first Auburn player to have his jersey number (34) retired in 2001
• All-time leading scorer – He also ranked as Auburn’s all-time leading scorer until Marquis Daniels broke the record in 2004
• 3x All-SEC – Barkley was named All-SEC three times and SEC Player of the Year as a junior
• All-American – Earned Second Team All-American honors in 1984
• NCAA Tournament – He led Auburn to their first ever NCAA tournament appearance as a junior

Barkley put Auburn basketball on the map and laid the groundwork for future success. His three stellar seasons culminated with an amazing 16-year NBA career.

How Did Charles Barkley Perform in the NCAA Tournament?

The culmination of Barkley’s Auburn career was leading them into the 1984 NCAA Tournament – the first time ever for the Tigers program. As a #3 seed, here is how they performed:

• 1st Round – Defeated #14 seed NE Louisiana 81-66, Barkley had 14 pts and 15 rebs
• 2nd Round – Defeated #6 seed St. John’s 66-63, Barkley had 19 pts
• Sweet Sixteen – Lost to #2 seed North Carolina 62-74, Barkley had 14 pts and 12 rebs

Barkley delivered for Auburn in their first Big Dance, averaging 15.7 points and 14 rebounds in the 3 games. Though they fell just short of the Elite Eight, the two wins to reach the Sweet Sixteen were a great accomplishment for the rising program.

How Did Charles Barkley’s Game Translate from College to the NBA?

When Charles Barkley was selected 5th overall in the 1984 NBA Draft, scouts knew his rebounding and inside scoring ability would translate from college to the pros. Barkley exceeded expectations by also developing his outside shooting and ballhandling.

Here are some key ways Barkley’s game translated from college to NBA success:

• Rebounding – His aggressive glass cleaning translated immediately as he averaged 14.0 RPG as an NBA rookie.
• Scoring Inside – Using his physicality and footwork, Barkley was able to score consistently in the low post in the NBA just like in college.
• Running the Floor – His conditioning helped him thrive in the fast break game at Auburn and in transition-oriented NBA offenses.
• Physical Play – Barkley adapted well to the very physical NBA game, especially as the league got less physical over time.

While most undersized power forwards would struggle in the NBA, Barkley’s unique game was a perfect fit in the pros. His college career showcased abilities that teams coveted.

Conclusion: Charles Barkley’s Legend Started at Auburn

In conclusion, Charles Barkley spent three highly successful seasons playing college basketball for the Auburn Tigers. He emerged as one of the most dominant rebounders and efficient scorers in the nation, claiming SEC Player of the Year honors as a junior in 1984.

Barkley brought Auburn into national prominence by spearheading their first ever NCAA Tournament appearance that same season. His No. 34 jersey hangs in the rafters at Auburn – a testament to his lasting legacy.

The skills Barkley developed and showcased at Auburn would translate seamlessly into an amazing 16-year NBA career and a Hall of Fame induction as one of the best power forwards in basketball history. But it all started with three memorable seasons playing in the SEC where a basketball legend was born.

Frequently Asked Questions about Charles Barkley and Auburn

What was Charles Barkley’s major at Auburn?

Charles Barkley majored in business management during his three years at Auburn. This aligned with his aspirations after basketball.

What was Charles Barkley’s jersey number at Auburn?

Barkley wore No. 34 during his Auburn career. This is the number that was eventually retired by the school to honor him in 2001.

Who was Charles Barkley’s coach at Auburn?

The head coach at Auburn during Barkley’s career was Sonny Smith. Smith developed a great relationship with Barkley during the recruiting process that was key to landing him.

Did Charles Barkley make the NCAA Tournament with Auburn?

Yes, Barkley led Auburn to their first ever NCAA Tournament his junior year in 1984. They made it to the Sweet Sixteen before losing to North Carolina.

Is Charles Barkley’s jersey retired at Auburn?

Yes, Auburn retired Barkley’s No. 34 jersey in a ceremony on March 3, 2001, making him the first Auburn player to receive the honor. It hangs in the rafters at Auburn Arena.