Give Charles Barkley points for being honest — at least.
The former NBA superstar turned TV announcer is currently a part of CBS’ coverage of the NCAA tournament and was asked by colleague Ernie Johnson about his “biggest takeaway from the first half” during halftime of Friday night’s game between No. 6 Illinois and No. 11 Xavier.
Barkley responded candidly.
“Well, I think that’s a good question,” Barkley said.
Barkley clearly had no further analysis of the game, which amused Johnson and the other members of the show, including Kenny Smith and Clark Kellogg.
Ernie Johnson asked Charles Barkley what his biggest takeaway from the first half of Xavier-Illinois was.
Chuck was not expecting that question and was unable to answer it.
He was watching Bryant-Michigan St. pic.twitter.com/HQduujDBg5
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 22, 2025
Smith laughed and said, “That’s his job. Did you expect Ernie not to ask you anything?”
Barkley then offered an explanation, saying his attention had been elsewhere: Bryant versus Michigan State.
“You know the game I’m watching,” Barkley said. “I’m watching Bryant against MSU.”
He added, “You know Ernie, I’m not gonna lie. I was paying attention to the Bryant score. So get after Clark or Kenneth, please.”
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Kellogg called Barkley’s reaction “priceless,” while Johnson was left stunned.
“That’s a first,” Johnson said. “‘I wasn’t watching.’ That’s a first.”
”He’s a man of many firsts, by the way,” Kellogg said.
Bryant put up a fight against second-seeded Michigan State, trailing by just five points before ultimately falling short, 87-62, in the first round game.
Illinois beat Xavier 73-86 to advance and keep on dancing with No. 3 Kentucky in the second round
