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Instead he chose Auburn, because they were bad and he can get some playing time

https://thespun.com/more/top-stories/cha...ose-auburn

I wanted him to play here too!

No, he chose Auburn because he got paid...

I’ve read multiple times through the years that he didn’t go to UAB bc he didn’t want to ride the bench

UAB was over Auburn to Barkley and that’s fact (I kind of thought that was common knowledge but I grew up in Leeds so it may have just been around there). He wouldn’t have started at UAB - both because of depth and Bartow needed to see what he’d do in the gym. AU took the risk that he’d put in the work and there was $$ involved (not as much as I’ve heard in the years since but some). People forget what a project he was. That he became what he did is testament to his character (from his family) and his IQ in learning what he could and couldn’t be on the floor.

It was well know that Barkley wanted to go to UAB. He was regarded as a freakish athlete but was nowhere near well rounded as a player coming out of Leeds. He developed that at Auburn and didn’t come close to his peak until a few years into the NBA.

He drew attention when he played against Bobby Lee Hurt at a Christmas tournament at Minor High School. I know he felt Auburn provided more of an opportunity to play right away but trust me, he would have played early at UAB too. I don't think Cliff Pruitt or Lex Drum would have kept Barkley on the bench. Lol. They beat us the first year we played them and should have beaten us the second. (Technical fouls prevented that). He abused Drum that first game.

Yep, just finished his biography and he was clear UAB was the school to beat and where he wanted to go but he wanted immediate playing time. He said UAB lost him cause they were too good. He liked Gene alot

But imagine having him in 81-82 season. Even as freshman coming off the bench. We made the elite 8 that year.

UAB getting Whatley, Barkley and Buck Johnson is one of the great what-ifs in state sports history.

I am not sure Gene would have handled Barkley like Sonny did. Barkley had TONS of leeway, didn't practice but road bike, ran his mouth and I just don't see Bartow handling that well. He went where he needed to go

(01-31-2023 12:21 PM)jaymay2525 Wrote:  I am not sure Gene would have handled Barkley like Sonny did. Barkley had TONS of leeway, didn't practice but road bike, ran his mouth and I just don't see Bartow handling that well. He went where he needed to go

This seems pretty on the nose. AK tells enough stories about getting yelled at by Bartow that I think Barkley may have had a tough time. I remember an Auburn person telling me that he was hanging out with Barkley in his dorm right around tip off and Chuck said "don't worry, they won't start the game without me." And apparently he was right.