Charles Barkley’s Basketball Journey: A Football Temptation at Auburn.

Charles Barkley, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, had an unexpected path to stardom. While his basketball career is now legendary, few people know that, at one point, Barkley was faced with a difficult decision between two sports at the college level: basketball and football. His story at Auburn University, where he was torn between the gridiron and the hardwood, is a tale of determination, decision-making, and destiny that would ultimately shape his career. In this article, we dive into Charles Barkley’s journey to becoming an NBA icon, the football temptation that almost derailed his future in basketball, and how Auburn played a pivotal role in his rise to greatness.

A Talented Athlete with Multiple Passions

Born on February 20, 1963, in Leeds, Alabama, Charles Barkley was an exceptional athlete from an early age. As a high school student, he excelled in both football and basketball, showcasing his versatility and athleticism. Known for his speed, agility, and strength, Barkley had the potential to succeed in both sports. He played a starring role in his high school basketball team but also impressed on the football field as a fullback.

Barkley’s love for football was strong, and he was drawn to the idea of playing for a college football team. His high school coach, however, saw something special in him on the basketball court and encouraged him to focus on that sport. As a result, Barkley’s decision to choose basketball over football was heavily influenced by those around him, but it wasn’t an easy choice. He knew that football could be a potential path to stardom as well, and turning down the opportunity to play football at the highest level was not a decision he made lightly.

The Auburn Decision: The Pull of College Football

In 1981, Charles Barkley committed to play basketball at Auburn University, but it was far from a straightforward decision. When he arrived on campus, Barkley had a natural gift for both basketball and football, and many observers at the time saw his potential to succeed on the gridiron. Auburn’s football program was one of the most respected in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and the opportunity to play under head coach Pat Dye would have been a significant draw for any young athlete.

Barkley’s early college days were marked by intense competition and the ongoing struggle of choosing between his two athletic passions. Though he ultimately chose to focus on basketball, he was still intrigued by the idea of playing football. Auburn was a football school, after all, and the thought of being part of the Tigers’ football program was a tempting proposition for Barkley, who was more than capable of excelling in that sport as well.

One of the defining moments in Barkley’s decision to focus solely on basketball came during a meeting with Auburn’s basketball coach Sonny Smith. Smith, who had been a mentor to Barkley, emphasized the importance of committing fully to basketball if he wanted to reach his full potential. Smith’s guidance, combined with Barkley’s growing awareness of the opportunities basketball presented, ultimately led him to set aside his football dreams in favor of a future in hoops.

While Barkley was able to focus on basketball after that conversation, his connection to football never fully disappeared. He continued to follow Auburn’s football team, and throughout his career, his athleticism and physicality in basketball were reminiscent of his gridiron days.

Auburn: The Perfect Launching Pad for Barkley’s Basketball Career

Barkley’s decision to fully commit to basketball at Auburn was one that paid off in spades. Under Coach Sonny Smith, Barkley’s development as a player accelerated, and he quickly became one of the most dominant forces in college basketball. He was a standout at both ends of the floor, known for his explosive athleticism, rebounding prowess, and scoring ability. His combination of size (6’6”), strength, and agility allowed him to excel in a variety of ways, from scoring in the paint to running the floor in transition.

As a freshman, Barkley’s raw talent was evident, but it was his work ethic and competitive nature that would define his time at Auburn. Despite being listed as a relatively undersized power forward, Barkley’s heart and determination allowed him to dominate his opponents. His relentless pursuit of the basketball on the boards and his ability to finish plays with authority made him an instant star.

During his sophomore year, Barkley’s game took off. He became the focal point of Auburn’s offense, showcasing his ability to score both inside and from the perimeter. His defense, particularly his ability to guard multiple positions, made him a highly sought-after prospect, and it was clear that his time in college would be short-lived.

The National Spotlight: Barkley Shines in the SEC

By the time Barkley was a junior at Auburn, he had firmly established himself as one of the top players in college basketball. His performances in the SEC garnered national attention, and he became one of the most dominant players in the conference. Auburn’s basketball team flourished under Barkley’s leadership, making deep runs in the NCAA Tournament and capturing the imagination of basketball fans across the country.

Barkley’s unique style of play—mixing power, finesse, and a level of grit rarely seen in players of his size—captivated fans and scouts alike. His quickness and leaping ability, combined with his fierce determination, made him one of the most difficult players to guard in the country. He was a nightmare matchup for opponents, often using his physicality to overpower defenders, while also showcasing an impressive skill set for a player of his size.

Despite Auburn’s success with Barkley on the court, the team did not manage to reach the Final Four during his time there. However, Barkley’s individual performance was enough to solidify his place in the college basketball conversation. By the end of his college career, Barkley had proven himself to be an exceptional player, earning SEC Player of the Year honors and securing his place as one of the top prospects in the 1984 NBA Draft.

The NBA Draft: The End of Barkley’s College Journey

In 1984, Barkley declared for the NBA Draft, and despite his relatively short college career, he was selected with the 5th overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers. His decision to enter the draft was the final step in fully committing to basketball, and it marked the end of his brief but impactful college journey at Auburn. Barkley’s success at Auburn had opened the door to a career that would ultimately make him a household name in professional basketball.

At the time of his departure, Barkley was still a well-known figure in Auburn’s basketball program, and his legacy would go on to inspire future generations of players to choose basketball as their path to success. Auburn’s decision to support Barkley’s basketball dreams over his football aspirations would pay off in the long run, as he went on to have a Hall of Fame career that included multiple All-Star appearances and an MVP award.

Barkley’s Football What-Ifs

Although Barkley went on to have a storied career in basketball, it’s impossible not to think about what could have been if he had pursued football. Given his strength and athleticism, it’s likely that Barkley could have been a formidable player in college football. He may have even found success in the NFL, where his unique combination of size, speed, and power could have made him a standout player.

It’s also worth considering that had Barkley focused on football, the Auburn Tigers’ basketball program would have been deprived of one of its most iconic players. While Barkley’s football talent was undeniable, it’s clear that his ultimate success came on the basketball court, and his decision to pursue that path allowed him to reach heights that no one could have anticipated.

Legacy: Barkley’s Impact on Auburn and Beyond

Charles Barkley’s time at Auburn was more than just a stepping stone to the NBA—it was the foundation of a basketball legacy that would inspire countless athletes, particularly in the Southeast. His journey from a multi-sport athlete torn between basketball and football to one of the NBA’s most well-known figures is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and making difficult decisions that ultimately lead to success.

Barkley’s success at Auburn also solidified the university’s place in the history of college basketball. While the Auburn Tigers may not have achieved a national championship during Barkley’s time there, his individual brilliance and the impact he had on the program cannot be overstated. Barkley became a cultural icon for Auburn, and his achievements on the court helped elevate the program to national recognition.

Off the court, Barkley’s outspoken personality and humor made him a beloved figure in the world of basketball. His transition to a successful television career as an analyst with TNT’s Inside the NBA has only further cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s most entertaining and insightful figures.