ESPN REPORT: Legendary Auburn Basketball Player Charles Barkley has been officially named as the The Greatest of All Time in College men’s Basketball , Deafing 3 Top Rivals Including Austin Car of Notre Dame, Kenny walker of Kentucky, and Jerry Lucas of Ohio State…

ESPN REPORT: Charles Barkley Officially Named the Greatest of All Time in College Men’s Basketball, Defeating Top Rivals Austin Carr, Kenny Walker, and Jerry Lucas

In a historic and highly anticipated ESPN special feature, Charles Barkley — the larger-than-life Auburn basketball legend and NBA Hall of Famer — has officially been named the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in college men’s basketball, triumphing over other iconic greats including Austin Carr of Notre Dame, Kenny Walker of Kentucky, and Jerry Lucas of Ohio State.

The decision came after months of analysis, fan voting, and statistical deep-dives that evaluated not only numbers but also the cultural impact, dominance, and legacy each player left on college basketball. Barkley, who played at Auburn from 1981 to 1984, edged out the competition with a resume that blended exceptional athleticism, larger-than-life charisma, and unmatched influence on and off the court.

While many remember Barkley for his NBA stardom and television career as a candid and colorful analyst on TNT’s Inside the NBA, his college career at Auburn was nothing short of revolutionary. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing over 250 pounds during his playing days, Barkley defied traditional roles for big men. Despite being undersized for a power forward, he dominated the paint with brute strength, elite rebounding instincts, and surprising agility. He earned the nickname “The Round Mound of Rebound” for a reason.

During his three-year stint with the Auburn Tigers, Barkley was a three-time All-SEC selection, the 1984 SEC Player of the Year, and an All-American who led Auburn to national relevance in a period where SEC basketball was still carving out its identity. His averages of 14.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game barely scratch the surface of his impact, as he drew national attention with show-stopping performances, fast-break coast-to-coast dunks, and fiery leadership.

In ESPN’s final rankings, Barkley narrowly defeated Austin Carr, whose 61-point NCAA tournament performance remains unmatched; Kenny “Sky” Walker, Kentucky’s high-flying icon and 1985 SEC Player of the Year; and Jerry Lucas, who led Ohio State to a national championship in 1960 and remains one of the greatest rebounding forwards ever. However, voters and panelists agreed that Barkley’s influence extended beyond stats. His presence elevated Auburn’s program, inspired a generation of non-traditional forwards, and paved the way for undersized big men in both college and professional basketball.

Fans across the country, especially in Alabama, erupted with joy at the announcement. Auburn University released an official statement celebrating the honor, with current head coach Bruce Pearl calling Barkley “the cornerstone of Auburn basketball’s identity and a true ambassador of the game.”

In a brief yet heartfelt video response, Barkley thanked Auburn, his coaches, teammates, and the fans: “I’ve always said college was the best time of my life. Auburn made me the man I am today. To be recognized like this is a blessing — and I want to share it with every Tiger out there.”

With this honor, Charles Barkley’s college legacy is now immortalized alongside the sport’s greatest icons. For a man who always spoke from the heart and played with unmatched passion, the title of GOAT is not just a personal victory — it’s a testament to impact over convention.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*