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Charles Barkley lays out chance for Johni Broome to become best player in Auburn history
By Mark Kern
Published:
Charles Barkley is one of the best players in the history of Auburn basketball. He played his career there from 1981-1984, and is 7th all-time in rebounds with 806. He went on to have a Hall of Fame NBA career, and is currently one of the analysts on the widely popular Inside the NBA show with Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith.
During the NCAA Tournament, he serves as an in-studio analyst, and he was asked about where Johni Broome could go down in Auburn history.
“If he can finish the journey, I would say he’s the greatest player in Auburn basketball history,” Barkley said. “I truly mean that. What he’s done for the program, him and Coach Pearl and those guys is incredible. If they can win the national championship. Listen man, it’d be great. And I’ll say this. I said it a couple years ago when they made the Final Four, that’s the greatest season in Auburn history. If he’s able to win the championship, I would say he’s the greatest player in Auburn basketball history. He’s better than me in college.”
Broome is one of the two leading candidates for the Naismith National Player of the Year award along with Duke’s Cooper Flagg. During the regular season, Broome averaged 18.9 PPG, 10.6 RPG and 3.1 APG.
He started his collegiate career at Morehead State, where he played 2 seasons before playing the last 3 at Auburn.
The Tigers tipped off against Alabama State to begin what they hope is a historic run in March. And like Barkley said, if he is able to lead the team to a title, he may just go down in the Auburn history books as the greatest player ever.
