Determined to Uphold Alma Mater’s Legacy, Charles Barkley Projects Biggest Attraction for Star Recruits

Auburn University has a star-studded recruiter on its side. Charles Barkley’s never-ending pride in his alma mater is driving him to attract premium talent to its athletic program. So how is Sir Charles the recruiter pitching? He lets the Auburn Tigers legacy speak for itself. Joined by other professional athlete alumni, Chuck showcased the highly-rated potential Auburn has to offer.

Barkley furthered Auburn’s recruitment drive at its most recent football game. Though the game didn’t go the way he wished, Chuck is confident Auburn is a great home for top athletic prospects.

Charles Barkley pushes Auburn’s recruitment ambitions

The Auburn-Georgia game on October 1 brought out Auburn’s most noteworthy alumni. NFL superstar, Cam Newton and Auburn’s gymnastic wonder, Suni Lee, joined Charles Barkley to cheer the Tigers football team. There were some more athletes to watch out for at the game.

It was a big recruiting weekend for the Tigers. Auburn basketball coach, Bruce Pearl had several elite talents visiting. Some of them included four-star prospect, Tahaad Pettiford and five-star talent, Jalen Haralson. The coach was probably hoping that the presence of the Round Mound of Rebound would grease the wheels a bit with his potential new players.

At the game, Barkley was spotted hanging out with Coach Pearl and other recruiters in a serious chat. Naturally, he’s hoping these young athletes pick his school. He was asked how he pitches to recruits to commit to Auburn.

“That’s a good question,” Barkley said before showing natural recruitment skills. “I think you’ve just got to come to Auburn. I tell people: Everybody likes their college. I think everybody likes their college, but Auburn is a very, very special place.”

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The Philadelphia 76ers star would namedrop his friends in the Plains while adding, “Every time we come down here it’s like going back to a family reunion.” It did look like a reunion as Newton and Barkley hung out with the Tigers football’s new recruit, Perry Thompson.

He was certainly flaunting the Tigers’ legacy at the game. Barkley met up with fans while wearing a red Tigers jersey with the number 7 on it. That’s the number of the football icon and the greatest Auburn alum, Pat Sullivan. Barkley can’t be discounted from Auburn’s history either.

Charles Barkley’s Tigers commitment

Barkley said, “Once you go to Auburn, it’s just such an awesome, special place. There are a lot of good schools, but I think Auburn is just a special place. I got here in 1981, which was 100 years ago. And every time I come down here it’s always special.” These feelings are reflected in how he keeps up his connection to the school.

In his three seasons with the Tigers, Chuck was leading the SEC in several titles. After a 16-year NBA career, he’s donated to several schools, but he gave back to Auburn in a major way. Barkley mended his will to leave a chunk of his fortune to Auburn students.

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Charles Barkley will never not put Auburn at the top of his priorities. Will his star power give the Tigers the boost it needs? Share your thoughts in the comments!