Charles Barkley: B.J.‘s buddy

Posted Aug 6, 2012 by Joey Johnston

Updated Aug 6, 2012 at 09:40 PM

Plenty of people will be watching closely this year when quarterback B.J. Daniels plays his senior season for the University of South Florida Bulls.

And one of those people is Charles Barkley, the former NBA All-Star and Most Valuable Player, the former U.S. Olympic gold-medal winner and the audacious, say-whatever-he-feels-like basketball analyst.

Sir Charles is a big fan of B.J.

Say what?

It’s true.

The connection was made through Paul Daniels, B.J.‘s uncle, who was the point guard at Auburn University when Barkley made his name as the “Round Mound of Rebound’’ during a sterling SEC career.

Last season, when Daniels was helped engineer USF’s season-opening upset of Notre Dame, the uncle called Barkley.

Uncle Paul: “What are you doing, Charles?’‘

Barkley: “I’m watching USF beat Notre Dame. Hey, USF has a pretty good quarterback.’‘

Uncle Paul: “What’s his name?’‘

Barkley: “Daniels. Why?’‘

Uncle Paul: “Are you really that dumb? Don’t you know who that is?’‘

Barkley actually had met B.J. Daniels once before during a number-retirement ceremony at Auburn. But all he remembered was this kid, the nephew of his basketball teammate. Barkley was amazed to see how the kid had grown up—and what he was up to in football. So Barkley got B.J.‘s number and placed a call, checking in and congratulating him on the victory at Notre Dame.

“At first, I didn’t believe it was him,’’ Daniels said. “I called him right back. We’ve talked a couple of times. He’s a pretty cool guy.’‘