Charles Barkley wrapped up CBS’ coverage of Florida’s 65-63 win over Houston in the NCAA Tournament national championship with a heartfelt shoutout.
“I want to send my love to Coach Bruce Pearl and my Auburn Tigers,” Barkley said.
He went on to praise Johni Broome, calling him the greatest player in Auburn basketball history and saying he looked forward to retiring Broome’s jersey. “He’s meant so much to the school. He’s the best we’ve ever had—he’s claimed the throne,” Barkley declared.
The longtime analyst even said Broome had surpassed both himself and Auburn great Chuck Person.
Barkley had already expressed high praise for Broome earlier in the tournament, saying, “If he can finish the job, I think he’ll go down as Auburn’s greatest. What he and Coach Pearl have done is amazing. Winning it all would be the cherry on top.”
Although Auburn reached the Final Four, they were eliminated by eventual champions Florida, 79-73. Walter Clayton Jr. led the Gators with 34 points. Auburn, the tournament’s top seed, finished their season at 32-6.
Despite battling a thumb injury, Chad Baker-Mazara led Auburn with 18 points and hit four three-pointers. Broome contributed 15 points on 6-for-14 shooting and pulled down seven rebounds—but scored just three in the second half. It was Auburn’s second loss to Florida this season.
Broome, clearly emotional even before the final buzzer, was quickly surrounded by cameras. He eventually rose to shake hands, his eyes red from crying, and used his jersey to wipe his face as he left the court.
Both Broome and Baker-Mazara were banged up in Auburn’s Elite Eight win over Michigan State. Broome had fallen hard on his right elbow, which was braced and covered during the Final Four.
During Monday night’s broadcast, Barkley also made a point to congratulate all Final Four teams. “Big congratulations to the Florida Gators, the new national champs,” he said. “And credit to Houston’s Kelvin Sampson, Duke’s Coach Jon Scheyer, and Cooper Flagg as well.”
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