Charles Barkley's Stellar Play Powers Miami Over Conference Powerhouse
Prior to calling First Four on Tuesday, Charles Barkley said March Madness is 'Arizona ass-kicking Invitational' and took issue with Miami Ohio's seed
Charles Barkley and Dick Vitale were part of truTV 's broadcast crew for the second game of Tuesday's First Four in the 2026 Men's NCAA Tournament . Prior to tip-off of NC State vs. Texas, Barkley joined the studio crew that included Jalen Rose, Bruce Pearl and Jamal Mashburn.
Barkley was asked about his favorite for this year's March Madness, which devolved into a stream of consciousness. March Madness bold predictions: Best upset picks, Final Four sleeper "This is the Arizona ass-kicking Invitational, and we're accepting all challenges," Barkley said. "Listen, Michigan has a great team.
I love coach (Dusty) May, I think that (LJ Cason) injury might hurt them a little bit. I think the injuries are going to hurt Duke. Now you could have gone back and forth between UConn and Florida, who is at No.
1 seed. "Obviously I think St. John's got screwed a little bit in the seeding," Barkley added.