Charles Barkley

February 20, 2025

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Barkley born February 20, 1963, was a perennial All-star who earned MVP honors in 1993. He employed a style of play that earned him the name “The Round Mound of Rebound.” He is one of the few players in N.B.A. history to record 4,000 assists, 10,000 rebounds, and 20,000 points. Barkley was honored as one of the 50 greatest players of all-time on the N.B.A.’s 50th Anniversary. He is a player who deserves all the accolades he’s been given and we will help you celebrate his special day right here.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Charles Wade Barkley

Nickname:

Chuck/ The Round Mound of Rebound

Birth date:

February 20, 1963

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Pisces

Height:

6' 6"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$40 million

Background

Charles Barkley was born in Leeds, Alabama. He was the firstborn son of Frank Barkley and Charcey Glenn. He had a rough childhood with his father abandoning the family when he was very young. His mother remarried Clee Glenn; together, they had two sons, Rennie and John. The former died as an infant. A few years later, 11-year-old Barkley lost Glenn in an auto accident.

Barkley went to Leeds High School. He was influenced by his surroundings and developed an interest in basketball when he was still young. As a junior, he got a spot on the basketball team because of his short stature (standing at 5’ 10”). During his senior year, he grew six inches taller and was finally allowed to join the varsity team. During the state high school semi-finals, he registered 26 points against Bobby Lee. Sonny Smith, who was an assistant of Auburn University’s head coach, was impressed with his performance and recruited him.

While in college, he played for three seasons. He gained popularity due to his playing style which belied his lack of height. His physical frame and skills earned him the nickname “The Round Mound of Rebound” and “Crisco Kid.” Barkley played the center position and received numerous awards including the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year (1984), one Second Team All American selection, and three All-SEC selections. He was later named the SEC Player of the Decade for the 1980s.

Career timeline

1984

The N.B.A. Draft

Barkley tries for the 1984 N.B.A. draft and joins the Philadelphia 76ers.

1986

The 76ers Leader

Barkley steps up as the de-facto leader of the 76ers after Malone, his mentor.

1988

The Making of History

Barkley is the first to register a 40-point, 20 rebounds, five-assist, and five-steal performance.

1992

The Debut with Phoenix Suns

On November 7, Barkley debuts for the Suns and leads the team to a 111—105 victory.

1996

The Houston Rockets

Barkley plays for three more seasons for the Suns before moving to the Houston Rockets.

2000

The End of a Career

Barkley plays his final match on April 19, 2000, against the Vancouver Grizzlies.

Why We Love Charles Barkley

He has a competitive mind
Barkley would use his height to dominate players half a foot taller on the field. Leading his team to victory all the time.
He is a winner
In his prime, Barkley was a beast on the court. He set countless records and held five N.B.A. records during that time.
He is honest.
Barkley was never shy about telling the truth. He said things as they were. He is also a man of charisma, emotion, and passion.

5 Surprising Facts

He was born underweight
Barkley was born underweight and with several health problems.
He chews up his remote control
When watching T.V. games like basketball he gets so nervous that he chews on his remote control.
He failed to graduate
Barkley was unable to graduate with his class due to one failure in Spanish.
He was a powerful dunker
Barkley once dunked the ball so hard that he shifted the basket support six inches to the right.
He is a compulsive gambler
During an interview with Trey Wingo, Barkley admitted to losing $2.5 million playing “blackjack.”