When Charles Barkley pops up on your television, you need to keep it on that channel and pump up the volume because something hilarious is about to be said.
That was once again the case as the Auburn legend was on the call alongside Dave O’Brien and Dick Vitale for the Indiana-Kentucky matchup in Rupp Arena. After the Wildcats pulled out a 72-60 victory over the rival Hoosiers, Barkley spoke with Michael Eaves back in the ESPN studio. Eaves, a current SportsCenter anchor, graduated from the University of Kentucky, and he was quick to mention Barkley’s wardrobe for the night.
“I’m a little upset you tried to steal my look tonight with the no-tie look where I went to school,” Eaves said.
Barkley mentioned that the look of a coat, vest, and dress shirt sans tie was a new look for him and that it was because, for some reason, the Round Mound of Rebound didn’t know it snowed in Kentucky. Barkley also said he’s lost so much weight that his usual all-black wardrobe has expanded to include lighter colors.
Charles Barkley visits my alma mater and tries to duplicate my look. So you know I had to ask him about it when he joined @rb_mrs and me on @sportscenter! #espn #sportscenter #fitcheck pic.twitter.com/D2g03J5LB9
— Michael Eaves (@michaeleaves) December 14, 2025
New wardrobe, new Barkley
“I had an all-black wardrobe when I was really fat,” Barkley said.
“You lose a lot of weight, you can go without the tie,” Eaves said. “It looks cool.”
Nicole Briscoe, also back in the SportsCenter, then chimed in, telling Barkley he needs to get rid of the old wardrobe so it can be an incentive not to gain weight again.
“It’s a fluid situation, Nicole,” Barkley joked.
And, even before jokes about the new wardrobe were flying around, Barkley started teasing Eaves about how quiet he has been during Kentucky's rough start to the 2025-26 season.
"First of all, I knew you were going to be unbearable tonight," Barkley said. "When the Cats win, I get texts, Nicole."