Remember your first real kiss? It was pretty disgusting wasn't it? I remember wanting to vomit. Afterwards I ran into the bathroom and rinsed my mouth out 22 times. After a while I got more accustomed to kissing and even began to enjoy it. That kind of describes my relationship with NBA Hall-of-Famer Charles Barkley: I hated him early in his career, but his hard work, tenacity, and jovial nature eventually won me over. In fact, I can now say that Charles Barkley is my favorite basketball player in the NBA Hall of Fame.

Affectionately known as the "Round Mound of Rebound," Charles Barkley burst into the national basketball consciousness in 1981. Although standing only 6 feet 4 inches tall, Sir Charles played center at the University of Auburn where he won several awards, including 1984 SEC player of the year; but it was more than just his stellar play that garnered him national attention. His size, at times nearly 300 lbs, his ability to defend against and score against much taller players, and a knack for controversy eventually made him a national basketball icon.

Barkley was drafted 5th by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1984. Some doubted whether he could achieve in the pros what he had achieved in college; many questioned his size and his overall attitude. It didn't take long for Barkley to silence his critics. Despite his relative diminutiveness, Barkley averaged double figures in rebounds 14 consecutive seasons. During the 86-87 season, Barkley became the smallest player ever to win an NBA rebounding title, prompting NBA.com to tab Barkley as "the greatest anomaly in hoops history."

After 8 tumultuous years in Philly, Barkley was traded to the Phoenix Suns in the summer of 1992. He continued his uncanny dominance in Phoenix and led them to a finals appearance in 1994. He played his last four seasons in Houston and retired after the 2000 season.

In his 15 year NBA career with Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Houston, Barkley amassed several honors, including 1993 NBA Most Valuable Player. He was named to the all NBA team 10 times, played in 11 all-star games, was named the all-star game MVP in 1991, and won two Olympic gold medals. In 1996 he was named one of the 50 greatest players of all time.

When Barkley hung up his basketball shoes, he was one of only four players to amass 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 4,000 assists. He remains an important part of the game as studio host for Turner Network Television. His candidness on such issues as gambling, role models, and the game itself has made him one of sports most outspoken and admired broadcasters.

Learn more about this author, Trent Lorcher.
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