Charles Barkley
The Round Mound of Rebound who won Olympic gold with the Dream Team.
via Wikipedia: Charles Barkley · see source
Charles Barkley is an American former professional basketball player who won two gold medals as a member of the U.S. national team, competing in the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games. He was a member of the 1992 Olympic "Dream Team" and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010 as a member of that team. Barkley played 16 seasons in the NBA, was an 11-time All-Star, and the 1993 NBA MVP. Though shorter than the typical power forward, he used his strength and aggression to become one of the NBA's best rebounders and scorers.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 20 February 1963
- Birthplace
- Leeds, Alabama, U.S.
- High school
- Leeds (Leeds, Alabama)
- College
- Auburn (1981–1984)
- Draft round
- 1
- Draft pick
- 5
- Drafted by
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Career position
- Power forward; small forward
Lore & Background
Charles Barkley's Olympic legacy is tied to the 1992 U.S. men's basketball team, known as the "Dream Team," which also included NBA stars like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird. Barkley was one of 74 college players invited to the spring tryouts for the 1984 U.S. Olympic team coached by Bob Knight; he made the initial cut to 20 but was released in the penultimate cut to 16 players. He later competed in the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games, winning two gold medals. Barkley was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame twice: in 2006 for his individual career and in 2010 as a member of the 1992 Olympic "Dream Team."
Reader's Guide
Barkley's Olympic tenure spanned the 1992 Barcelona Games and the 1996 Atlanta Games, representing the United States national team. He did not represent a club but the U.S. national team. A power forward known for his exceptional rebounding and scoring, Barkley used his strength and aggression to overpower opponents. He was a versatile scorer and tenacious rebounder, leading the NBA in rebounding average in the 1986–87 season. Two Olympic gold medals (1992, 1996), induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the 1992 Dream Team (2010), and being named to the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams. Barkley's Olympic legacy is as a key member of the Dream Team, which revolutionized international basketball. His fearless play and charismatic personality made him a fan favorite, and he is remembered as one of the greatest power forwards in basketball history.
More in Legendary Athletes
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