In a pretty hilarious segment on Inside the NBA, Charles Barkley shared his reaction to the news that Abbie Stockard, girlfriend of Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, was crowned Miss America 2025. Stockard, a nursing student and former cheerleader at Auburn University, represented Alabama in the competition and emerged victorious, much to the excitement of her supporters.
Barkley, an Auburn alumnus and Alabama native himself, couldn’t contain himself as he discussed Stockard’s win.
“You can say War Eagle,” Barkley exclaimed, referencing Auburn University’s battle cry. “I’m proud. No. 1, shout out to my home girl. I wish I knew where she was from,” he added with a chuckle.
The Hall of Famer went on to praise his home state of Alabama, quipping,
“I told you, boy, we’ve got good-looking women and brains down there.”
Kessler, who met Stockard during his sophomore season at Auburn, watched the competition’s culmination intently on his phone alongside Jazz coach Will Hardy. In a now-viral clip, Kessler stood up and appeared stunned by the result as Hardy attempted to hype him up.
Kessler later took to Instagram to congratulate Stockard, sharing a heartfelt post.
“Congratulations, Abbie! I am so proud of you and everything you stand for,” Kessler wrote. “Your hard work and trust in the Lord have awarded you with this incredible opportunity! Use your light to shine on others around you! Love you”.
