| Summary: | This image is a photograph used in the book Auburn, a Pictorial History of the Loveliest Village by Mickey Logue and Jack Simms, 3rd edition, 2013, depicting the history of the city and the University. From page 329: NBA basketball star Charles Barkley gives mascot Aubie a hug during a visit to Auburn. Even though Barkley passed up his senior college season to join the Philadelphia 76ers, he remained in 1996 the school's top career shot blocker with 145 and field-goal percentage shooter at .626. Barkley was honored as the Southeastern Conference Player of the Decade for the 1980s by the Birmingham Post-Herald. In 1984, he became the first Auburn player chosen SEC Player of the Year, selected by both the Associated Press and United Press International. Barkley was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player in leading the Phoenix Suns to second place in the championship playoff in 1992-93. Through 1995, he played in nine consecutive NBA All-Star Games. He was a USA basketball "dream team" member and won Olympic gold medals in both 1992 and 1996. By the mid-1990s, Barkley had contributed more than $100,000 to establish a scholarship for minority students at Auburn, his financial advisor said. Photo source: Auburn University University Relations.
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