“I’m proud of our guys, but we can’t celebrate. We’re the number one overall seed. We didn’t come here to get to the Elite 8.” Before the Elite 8 game against Michigan State, Charles Barkley motivated his alma mater. Bruce Pearl’s Auburn Tigers did not disappoint as they scripted a historic 70-64 win. This will be the program’s second Final Four appearance in its history. Amidst this celebration, the TNT analyst made sure to highlight and send love to another Auburn coach, Hugh Freeze.

“And hey, shout out, I want to give Coach Freeze some love too, man. I know he’s battling some stuff right now.” Barkley continued, “I talked to him; sent him a couple of messages. I want to wish Coach Freeze the best with his health.” To people who don’t know, Coach Freeze has been at the helm of the Tigers’ football team for the past two seasons. In February, the Auburn football announced the 55-year-old was battling with an early form of prostate cancer. But there was some good news as well.

He will most likely be able to take charge of the program in his third season. He continues to work on getting a full recovery with “forthcoming and proper treatment.” Amidst his battle, Coach Freeze has an eye on fellow Tigers making a statement during March Madness and credited Bruce Pearl for the run. Plus, he also listed why the basketball team’s success is an overall success for the program.

“It helps us all in recruiting. It helps us all raise money, helps us in the NIL space,” Freeze told WKRG Sports Director Simone Eli. Coach Freeze’s appreciation also had a Charles Barkley message. “You look in there and Charles Barkley is talking about Auburn. Right now over and over each night. I don’t think you can measure it. It’s just so big.” And the football HC is not wrong.

Not just on CBS, where Chuck works as a March Madness analyst. But also during several Inside the NBA segments, the Auburn legend has praised the Tigers. It’s not only the football head coach who is in awe of the NBA icon. Even Bruce Pearl wants to win the ring for Sir Charles.

Charles Barkley might finally add a ring to his collection

Before the showdown against the Michigan State, Pearl was all fired up to win. “Somehow, I’ve got to find a way to win so that Charles Barkley can give Magic Johnson some crap and represent,” Auburn men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl said before the match up. Since the Lakers legend has the upper hand with his rings, the Suns icon doesn’t have any to flash. But Pearl wants to change that.

“Magic’s always floating those rings at Charles, right? He’s always floating those rings, and Charles ain’t got any rings. I’ve got to try to get some rings for Charles, so he can float them back at Magic.” Magic won the national championship at Michigan State and five NBA titles with the Lakers. Barkley, notoriously, never won an NBA title. Even Pearl is now looking to add a ring to his collection, which he would later dedicate to Sir Charles.

Auburn Basketball will face familiar foe The Florida Gators in the Final Four. Florida Basketball advanced after a furious comeback over Texas Tech Red Raiders, winning 84-79. With senior forward Johni Broome in full flow, can Pearl’s team take another step in the Big Dance? Only time will tell.