Auburn basketball legend Charles Barkley had nothing but good things to say about the Alabama men's basketball team.

During an interview on The Next Round, an online show hosted by Jim Dunaway, Ryan Brown, and Lance Taylor, the Ala., native was asked about this year's Crimson Tide squad.

"Alabama's the best team in the country," said Barkley. "Honestly, I've watched them play probably four times. They're the best team. Houston is right there with them, but they beat Houston. But, just off the top of my head, Alabama's the best team in the county, and that's painful for me to say."

The 59-year-old played for Auburn from 1981-84. During his time on The Plains, he appeared in 84 games, averaging 14.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. He won SEC Player of the Year and SEC tournament MVP (1984) as well as having his number retired by Auburn.

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He was drafted as the No. 5 overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He also spent time with the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets.

His professional career consisted of winning the NBA MVP (1993), 11x NBA All-Star, five-time NBA First and Second Team, as well as had his number retired by the Sixers, just to name a few of many accolades.

The Crimson Tide is currently 16-2 on the season, including a perfect 6-0 in conference play, has beaten the then-No. 1 team in the country on two occasions, and ranks No. 4 in the AP Poll.

The Alabama men's basketball team takes on the Missouri Tigers on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at 5 p.m. CT. Coverage will be on Tide 100.9 and 95.3 The Bear.

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