Auburn Tigers Basketball: All-Time Greatest Five-Player Lineup

The Auburn Tigers basketball program has a rich history with some truly phenomenal talents passing through its ranks. From trailblazing pioneers to modern stars who’ve reached NBA fame, Auburn’s legacy is decorated with impactful players who have left indelible marks.

Choosing the greatest five-player lineup is a challenging yet exciting task. We want a balanced squad, covering all positions, blending scoring, defense, leadership, and intangibles. After careful consideration, here is my pick for the strongest five-player Auburn Tigers lineup:

Why Chris Morris?

Chris Morris is often the first name that comes to mind when discussing Auburn basketball greats. Playing from 1982 to 1986, Morris was a highly skilled forward with size, versatility, and a lethal scoring ability. Standing around 6’8″, he was a natural fit for both small forward and power forward roles, with the ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions.

Career highlights:

• Two-time All-SEC First Team selection.
• Auburn’s all-time leading scorer at the time of his graduation.
• First-round NBA draft pick (4th overall in 1988).
• Known for his scoring, rebounding, and defensive toughness.

Impact on the lineup:

Morris provides the backbone of the frontcourt, blending size, scoring versatility, and defensive grit. His ability to play both forward positions allows the lineup flexibility in matchups and spacing.

Why Charles Barkley?

No Auburn lineup is complete without the legendary Charles Barkley, arguably the greatest player in Auburn basketball history and one of the NBA’s all-time great power forwards. Barkley’s combination of strength, speed, and skill was unmatched. Although only at Auburn for three seasons (1981–1984), his impact was profound.

Career highlights:

• Three-time All-American.
• Two-time SEC Player of the Year.
• Led Auburn to multiple NCAA tournament appearances.
• Hall of Famer, NBA MVP candidate, and 11-time NBA All-Star.
• Known for his rebounding, scoring, and tenacity.

Impact on the lineup:

Barkley anchors the lineup with his relentless energy and dominance inside. His rebounding prowess and scoring ability complement Morris perfectly, giving Auburn an unstoppable frontcourt duo.

Why Wesley Person?

The son of Auburn legend Chuck Person, Wesley Person was an elite scorer and shooter during his tenure at Auburn from 1992 to 1995. Person was known for his deadly three-point shooting and smooth scoring touch, bringing much-needed perimeter firepower to complement the physicality of Morris and Barkley.

Career highlights:

• All-SEC First Team honors.
• Over 40% career three-point shooter.
• Solid NBA career as a sharpshooter.
• Provided scoring punch and spacing for Auburn’s offense.

Impact on the lineup:

Person’s shooting stretches defenses, creating space for Barkley and Morris inside. His ability to knock down threes and play off the ball gives the lineup lethal scoring versatility on the perimeter.

Why Chuck Person?

Often referred to as “The Rifleman,” Chuck Person was Auburn’s first-ever NBA lottery pick and an All-American. Playing from 1982 to 1986, Person was a prolific scorer, defender, and clutch performer. His nickname came from his pinpoint shooting ability, especially from mid-range and beyond the arc.

Career highlights:

• All-American and multiple All-SEC selections.
• SEC Player of the Year (1986).
• Auburn’s all-time leading scorer for a long time.
• NBA All-Star and longtime professional veteran.
• Known for clutch performances and leadership.

Impact on the lineup:

Person brings another dynamic scorer to the wings and veteran leadership. His toughness and basketball IQ would be invaluable in late-game situations, providing scoring, defense, and poise.

Why Doc Robinson?

Doc Robinson played for Auburn from 1989 to 1992 and is one of the best point guards in Auburn history. While not as nationally famous as the others, Robinson was a key playmaker and floor leader. His ability to run the offense and create opportunities for the stars around him would be vital.

Career highlights:

• Consistent playmaker and facilitator.
• Known for leadership, defense, and basketball IQ.
• Helped balance the Auburn offense with steady point guard play.

Impact on the lineup:

Robinson’s presence ensures the offense flows smoothly. He can get the ball to Barkley, Morris, and the Persons in scoring positions, manage tempo, and provide solid perimeter defense.

• Scoring Variety: Barkley and Morris provide inside scoring, while Wesley and Chuck Person offer lethal perimeter shooting. Robinson facilitates and can chip in scoring.
• Defense: Barkley’s tenacity, Person’s defensive abilities, and Robinson’s perimeter defense create a well-rounded defensive unit.
• Leadership & Experience: Chuck Person and Barkley bring elite-level leadership and big-game experience.
• Versatility: Morris can slide between the 3 and 4, allowing flexible lineups. The Persons can switch seamlessly between SG and SF roles.
• NBA Proven Talent: All five players had substantial NBA careers, proving their elite talent.

Before wrapping up, a nod to some other great Auburn players who nearly made the list:

• Vernon Maxwell: Known for his scoring and defensive prowess, Maxwell was a fiery competitor and NBA champion.
• Kenny Gabriel: A modern-era forward with length and athleticism.
• TaShawn Thomas: A skilled big man from recent years.
• Chris Morris Jr. and other recent players: Though less historically impactful, some modern players show promise.

Barkley’s Auburn career is legendary. Standing only 6’6” but with tremendous strength and speed, he revolutionized the power forward position. He averaged about 18 points and 10 rebounds per game at Auburn and was a constant double-double threat.

His rebounding ability was unmatched, often outworking taller opponents. Barkley’s passion and relentless style inspired teammates and fans alike. He led Auburn to multiple NCAA tournaments, a feat that wasn’t as common then as today. His jersey (34) is retired, and his impact remains a gold standard.

Person’s scoring skills were a nightmare for opponents. Auburn fans remember his silky jumper, sharp basketball mind, and ability to hit clutch shots. Over his four years, he became Auburn’s top scorer and a star in the SEC.

Person’s influence extended beyond scoring — his leadership and work ethic helped Auburn compete at a high level. He later translated his skills to a 16-year NBA career, cementing his legacy

Morris often gets overshadowed by Barkley and Person but was a phenomenal talent. His size, length, and skills allowed him to guard multiple positions and be a consistent scorer. Morris’ ability to shoot from outside and play inside gave Auburn a unique weapon.

Morris was drafted 4th overall, showing how highly NBA teams valued his potential. His versatility makes him an essential piece in this all-time lineup.

As the younger Person in this lineup, Wesley brought a modern style of play with his shooting and spacing ability. His impact was significant during the early 1990s, providing a reliable scoring threat from beyond the arc.

Wesley’s shooting would be crucial in today’s pace-and-space style of basketball, helping spread the floor for Barkley and Morris.

Though less flashy, Robinson’s steadiness as a point guard was vital. He managed Auburn’s offense and controlled tempo during a transitional period for the program.

His ability to defend and make smart decisions keeps the offense fluid and balanced.

This lineup blends Auburn’s history with all-time legends, blending inside dominance, perimeter shooting, playmaking, and leadership. Each player complements the others, providing balance and versatility.

• Barkley and Morris create a powerful frontcourt.
• Chuck and Wesley Person provide scoring, defense, and shooting on the wings.
• Doc Robinson holds it together as the steady point guard.

This all-time Auburn lineup is not just a collection of greats but a true team that would compete at any level.