Charles Barkley\u2019s professional career is one many would envy. A 10-time All-Star, former MVP, and Hall of Famer, he also reached great heights in the world of media. Ask Chuck what he considers the defining moment that launched his success, and he would point to a time before he became a star.<\/p>\n
Barkley<\/a> <\/strong>attended Auburn from 1981 to 1984, where he quickly became one of the Tigers\u2019 best players. He was known more for his dominance and hustle than for piling up points like other big scorers. Even so, he averaged 14.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game during his college career. His size and energy made him stand out despite not being the tallest player on the floor, and he went on to achieve plenty of success at Auburn.<\/p>\n Barkley still holds the school\u2019s career field goal percentage record at 62.6% and was named SEC Player of the Decade by the Birmingham Post-Herald. He has often said how much he loved his time there, even admitting during a recent appearance on The Smylie Show that he was glad Auburn became his college home.<\/p>\n \u201cGoing to Auburn was the best decision from a basketball standpoint and a life standpoint. Because once you go to Auburn, you\u2019re part of a family for life. But it was such a cool thing to get to play right away,\u201d the 76ers<\/a><\/strong> legend stated<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n Barkley has expressed his love for Auburn<\/a><\/strong> and the Tigers many times before, but things are a little different today. NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules have completely changed the face of college athletics<\/a><\/strong>, allowing superstar athletes to earn hundreds of thousands of dollars, sometimes even millions, while still in school.<\/p>\n