Charles Barkley is one of the most visible former players in sports media. After a 16-year NBA career, Barkley joined Turner Sports' NBA studio crew in 2000 before adding college coverage to his repertoire during the 2011 NCAA Tournament.
The second act of Barkley's career has been nothing short of impactful but it wouldn't have been possible without the first, as he is one of the NBA's 75 greatest players and a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Before his NBA career got going, Barkley made a meteoric rise from an unknown recruit to a college All-American. At what college did Barkley make a name for himself? Here is everything to know about the Round Mound of Rebound's days before the NBA.
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Where did Charles Barkley play college basketball?
Barkley played college basketball at Auburn University from 1981 to 1984.
A native of Leeds, Ala., Barkley was far from a highly-touted recruit at Leeds High School. He did not earn a starting spot on the varsity basketball team until a six-inch growth spurt before his senior year "changed his life."
Barkley received very little college interest before bursting onto the radar. During an episode of "All The Smoke" podcast, Barkley explained that he chose Auburn over UAB and Alabama for an opportunity to play right away.
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Charles Barkley college stats
- 14.1 points per game
- 9.6 rebounds per game
- 1.6 assists per game
- 1.7 blocks per game
- 0.9 steals per game
- 62.6 percent field goal shooting
- 65.2 percent free throw shooting
Impressive as Barkley's career numbers are, they may not necessarily jump off the page at first glance.
Barkley's junior season at Auburn was his best. He averaged 15.1 points and 9.5 rebounds over 28 games (18 starts) and was named SEC Player of the Year honors for the 1983-84 season.
After his junior year, Barkley declared for the 1984 NBA Draft.
Auburn's first round picks in the NBA Draft
Barkley was the No. 5 pick in the legendary 1984 NBA Draft. He is one of 10 first-round picks to come out of Auburn.
| Year | Player | Pick | Team |
| 2022 | Walker Kessler | 22 | Grizzlies |
| 2022 | Jabari Smith Jr. | 3 | Rockets |
| 2020 | Isaac Okoro | 5 | Cavaliers |
| 2019 | Chuma Okeke | 16 | Magic |
| 2000 | Mamadou N'Diaye | 26 | Nuggets |
| 1994 | Wesley Person | 23 | Suns |
| 1988 | Chris Morris | 4 | Nets |
| 1986 | Chuck Person | 4 | Pacers |
| 1984 | Charles Barkley | 5 | 76ers |
| 1978 | Mike Mitchell | 15 | Cavaliers |
