It all started with a voicemail—one that Bruce Pearl held onto for seven years. Back when Pearl was coaching Tennessee, Charles Barkley, sitting in the TNT studio for March Madness, picked up the phone and left a message.“I’ve never met you before, but I just wanted to say—I love the way you coach.” That message stuck with Pearl. Fast forward to 2014, when he landed the Auburn job, he played it for his new team. “I’ve got to play something for you guys,” he told them. “Charles Barkley—who I’ve never met in my life—sent me this message.” It was a full-circle moment, linking Auburn’s most iconic player to the man now tasked with building its future. But now, in 2025, does Chuck still hold the same views about Pearl—especially now that he’s coaching Auburn? Well, the answer is both yes and no.

It’s not that his opinion of Pearl has changed—it’s how he expresses it. Barkley doesn’t need a voicemail anymore. He’s saying it loud and clear, in front of the entire country. Once again, Chuck was on national television. But this time, his praise was even stronger.

“You cannot compare this environment to when I played here,” Barkley admitted—the same Auburn alum who once led the Tigers to their first NCAA tournament appearance in 1984. And he’s right. Auburn is a different beast under Pearl. While Barkley put the program on the map, he was never able to guide the Tigers to a national title. Even after 41 years, that ultimate goal remains unfulfilled. But now? Auburn is closer than ever.

Thanks to head coach, Bruce Pearl. Since taking over in 2014, Pearl has completely revitalized Auburn basketball. This season alone, he has helped the Tigers through one of the most difficult conferences in the season to stand 15-2 with one game left in the regular season. Pearl has managed a balance on both ends of the floor, won the regular season title, and is favored on almost every oddsmaker’s books. The energy that has brewed among the fans is undeniable.

The most remarkable moment probably came when 2.8 million viewers tuned in to catch the action against Alabama. Chuck marvels at the atmosphere and like many, cannot help but commend the head coach for the culture he has driven. “These people, they’ve been amazing. You know, Bruce Pearl does an amazing job, and these fans are terrific,” he adds.

The same man who once admired Pearl from afar is now watching his success unfold up close. And this time, there’s no need for introductions. And why not? Just over a month ago, Pearl secured his 214th win with Auburn, surpassing Joel Eaves to become the university’s all-time winningest coach.

That historic milestone came after an 87-82 victory over Texas—but it’s just one chapter in Pearl’s legacy. Under his guidance, Auburn clinched the SEC regular-season championship in 2017-18, their first since 1999. And in 2019, he took them to their first-ever Final Four appearance. But the real question is: Can he take them all the way to a national championship?

Bruce Pearl’s Auburn needs to conquer the final hurdles to the National Title

There’s no doubt about Pearl’s caliber. In fact, as Barkley’s voicemail proved, there never was. But this season, Pearl has transformed Auburn from a mid-tier SEC program into an absolute powerhouse.

Currently, the Tigers sit at No. 1 in the conference with a near-flawless 27-3 overall record.

Now, with a team stacked with talent—Johni Broome dominating the paint, Chad Baker-Mazara stretching the floor, and a suffocating defense locking down opponents—Auburn has arguably its best shot yet at finishing the job. Barkley put it best: “We can beat you inside or outside.” And that’s exactly what Auburn has done this season.

But the biggest test still lies ahead. Auburn’s recent 72-83 loss to Texas A&M raised some concerns. Momentum matters in March, and even ESPN, in its latest power rankings, dropped Auburn below Duke, placing them at No. 2. While this doesn’t affect their projected No. 1 seed in the tournament, it’s still something Auburn needs to prove in the coming days.

And the next chance? A high-stakes showdown against No. 7 Alabama on March 8th. Will Pearl be able to repeat history by adding another win against their biggest rival?