Bruce Pearl’s words before Auburn’s Elite Eight matchup were full of heart: “I’ve got to try to get some rings for Charles, so he can float them back at Magic.” Unfortunately, Auburn’s run ended in heartbreak as they lost to Florida 79–73, with Charles Barkley watching courtside, visibly holding back emotion. Despite the defeat, a significant moment passed between the past and present of Auburn basketball—a handshake, a hug, and a few words shared between two Auburn legends.
Charles Barkley, who had been Auburn’s biggest supporter throughout the tournament, witnessed a stellar performance by Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr., who scored 34 points, leading his team to victory. Auburn’s Johni Broome, despite playing with an arm injury, fought to keep the Tigers in the game, contributing 12 points and four rebounds in the first half, helping Auburn build a 26–14 advantage in the paint.
Barkley, from his position in the booth, had observed that Auburn’s strategy of dominating the paint with Broome was working early on. However, as the game progressed, Florida adjusted, and Auburn’s momentum faded as the Gators took over, particularly thanks to Clayton’s breakout performance. As the final buzzer sounded, Auburn’s loss was a bitter one, but it was the emotional moment after the game that truly resonated.
March Sadness for Chuck 🥲#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/Haa0bK02hZ
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 6, 2025
After the game, Broome, who may have played his final game for Auburn, walked off the court with his injured arm, only to be met by Barkley on the sidelines. Barkley didn’t offer any critiques or advice but simply embraced Broome and thanked him. It was a powerful moment of respect, with Barkley acknowledging the effort and the spirit Broome brought to the program. Broome, moved by the moment, later reflected on how much it meant to him to receive such praise from a figure as legendary as Barkley, who has cemented his place in Auburn’s history.
Though Auburn didn’t win the championship or the ring, the exchange between Barkley and Broome symbolized something even more significant: the passing of the torch. The history and legacy of Auburn basketball were shared in that quiet, tear-filled moment—reminding everyone that sometimes, the true value of a program’s legacy lies not in the trophies, but in the players who carry that legacy forward.