Charles Barkley breaks down the state of Alabama's success in college basketball

Charles Barkley is basking in the success of college basketball in the State of Alabama.

While he may get more enjoyment out of the Auburn Tigers winning than the Alabama Crimson Tide, Barkley has immense respect for both programs after they’ve dominated the conversation over the last couple of seasons. While neither program has been able to capture a national title, they’re building towards becoming perennial contenders, and have both been ranked No. 1 over the past two seasons.

Speaking with the media, the lovable Barkley elaborated on how awesome it is to have such phenomenal hoops in Alabama, admitting his respect for Crimson Tide leader Nate Oats, and reaffirming his love for Auburn’s Bruce Pearl.

“It’s great for Auburn and Alabama,” started Barkley. “Coach [Nate] Oats has done a fabulous job. I wa surprised they didn’t do better. I picked them to win the whole thing. People know how much I love Auburn and Bruce Pearl. I thought he got as much as he could out of that team. Alabama should’ve did better. But hey, it happens in a one-game scenario.

“It’s great to have great basketball here. Coach Pearl has done a fabulous job, and I look forward to next year.”

Moreover, Barkley actually predicted Alabama to win it all last season, as much as it pained him to do so. Of course, he was wrong like so many, but he’s all smiles about it as he looked back on it.

“Well, clearly I was wrong,” Barkley joked. “When I made that statement, most people picked them to win the tournament. Listen, like I said, in a one-game scenario, anything can happen. … I was surprised they didn’t get farther.”

Of course, Alabama captured the SEC regular season crown, as well as the SEC Tournament title, that’s nothing to scoff at, but Crimson Tide faithful have to be disappointed in how their season ended, even if Barkley isn’t. Alabama had a golden opportunity at the Final Four, and subsequently a championship, as all other No. 1 seeds also lost, and only one No. 2 seed remained as well.

Time will tell whether Charles Barkley’s Auburn Tigers or Nate Oats and the Alabama Crimson Tide will continue to gain the upper hand over the other, but the battles should be intense for the next couple of seasons. It’s a fun time to love college basketball in the State of Alabama.