Charles Barkley on Auburn: We’re like the stepchild. We’re never going to be Alabama
Charles Barkley never minces words. And even though he knew it wouldn't endear him to fans at his alma mater, he did so Wednesday night while sitting in on commentary on ESPN2's telecast of Alabama at Auburn basketball.
The former Auburn and NBA star spoke about Auburn's mentality and the rivalry between the schools. The annual basketball showdowns between the schools are known in the state as the Iron Bowl of basketball. The teams split two regular-season games this year, with Auburn winning at home Wednesday after losing at Alabama earlier.
“If you’re born in Alabama, you have to pick a team," he said. "And whether we play them in softball, volleyball or whatever, we want to beat them.
“Because we are – and I know I’m going to get in trouble for saying it – we’re like the stepchild. We’re never going to be Alabama, but we want to beat them every time we play them. We’re kind of like Oklahoma State, UCLA, Kansas State. There’s nothing wrong with it. Auburn’s a great school.”
Barkley, a 6-foot-6 center from Leeds, played at Auburn from 1981-1984. He averaged 14.1 points and 9.6 rebounds in his collegiate career, earning All-America honors.
Now a television analyst for TNT and CBS, Barkley played in the NBA from 1984-2000 for the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets, winning an MVP award and being selected to the all-star game 11 times.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Charles Barkley says Auburn is 'like the stepchild' to Alabama
