Charles Barkley has been a part of NCAA tournament coverage for the past eight years, and he spent much of that time seeing his co-hosts Kenny Smith (UNC) and Clark Kellogg (Ohio State) enjoying their alma maters’ tournament success.
Not this year. It was finally Charles Barkley’s turn to celebrate.
Barkley, despite not choosing the Tigers to advance past the Sweet 16, has been the ultimate Auburn superfan as his former school made a historic run through the Midwest Regional. His studio spot was decked out in Auburn paraphernalia for every Auburn game day.
Well, when the Tigers edged out Kentucky, 77-71, in overtime to reach the first Final Four in school history, Barkley was understandably emotional.
Smith pointed out the tears of joy. North Carolina might be used to Final Four runs, but Barkley (and every Auburn fan) has been waiting a long time for that moment.
We can certainly count on Barkley being the star in Minneapolis next weekend.
