Charles Barkley on Aden Holloway advancing to Elite Eight: 'He's a traitor, but wish him luck'

Alabama is heading to the Elite Eight for the second consecutive season after dismantling BYU on Thursday night. Mark Sears was the story, making an incredible 10 three-pointers. However, Aden Holloway was not too far behind, shooting 50% from deep on the night, going six of 12.

Back in the CBS studios, Ernie Johnson and Charles Barkley were going through the game highlights. After Holloway made one of his three-pointers, Johnson pointed out the now-Alabama guard used to play for Auburn. Barkley had a hilarious response, calling Holloway a traitor.

“Yes he did,” Barkley said. “I wish the young man luck. He’s a traitor but wish him luck.”

One of last offseason’s biggest storylines was Holloway going across the state to play for Alabama. The two programs do not get along in general and a player leaving the Plains for Tuscaloosa caught a lot of attention.

Bruce Pearl even said the move wound up working out for both programs. Alabama got a great player in Holloway while Auburn was able to bring back other guards while inserting Tahaad Pettiford into the lineup.

“Aden was a very popular player on our team,” Pearl said via Justin Hokanson of On3’s Auburn Live before the Feb. 15 matchup. “He has great friends…I think things have really worked out for him. I’m happy for him. I’m not going to be happy for him when he’s drilling it from 35 (feet).”

Holloway did not find too much personal success in two games against his former team. The matchup at Coleman Coliseum saw him score 10 points, followed by five in his return to Neville Arena. Securing a win in the season finale had to feel quite good, though.

Pearl is certainly right about Holloway’s move working out for him. A career performance in the Sweet Sixteen is something he will never forget. There is still more work to be done too, hoping to be a part of a Final Four and potential national championship-winning team.

Auburn has found plenty of success of its own. An SEC regular season championship was dominant at times while their NCAA Tournament hopes are still alive. Friday night will be a chance to advance to the Elite Eight with a matchup against Michigan.

Barkley certainly will be cheering for his Tigers until the run is over. Holloway will be right there for him too, even if he is a “traitor,” as the CBS analyst describes him as.