Sir Charles will be sorely missed in the `uncivilized' NBA

In the early 1980s, the employees of the Pizza Hut located in Auburn, Ala. were given a few things to memorize. The correct temperature for the oven, the prices for each topping. But most importantly, they learned that if someone called and simply said, "This is Charles," three large supreme pizzas should be sent immediately to the dorm room of Auburn's star forward.

Hence the nickname, the Round Mound of Rebound.

Charles Barkley, one of the NBA's greatest characters, will say his final farewell tonight when the Houston Rockets take the court against the Vancouver Grizzlies.

Barkley, who ruptured a tendon in his knee in a December game vs. Philadelphia, announced his retirement Dec. 9 but will return to the court for one last hurrah.

Looking back on his career, it is phenomenal what Barkley has added to the game of basketball, both on and off the court.

While he is listed at 6-foot-6 and 252 pounds, any fellow player will tell you that on a good day Sir Charles reaches just over 6-4.

Any fellow player will also tell you, though, he played a heck of a lot taller than any size measurement.

Not only was Sir Charles listed among the NBA's 50 Greatest Players of All-Time, he is one of only three players to record more than 20,000 points, 12,000 rebounds and 4,000 assists.

Barkley, like any other person, had moments he would like to forget. Such as when he spit at a fan who was heckling him and instead showered a little girl. Or when he ended a bar fight by throwing a man through the bar's glass window.

He was constantly defending himself to the media, explaining that he was just as human as them and prone to make mistakes. He preached the fact that he was not a role model, that a kid's parents should fill that position.

Barkley knew that everyone's child could not grow up to be a professional basketball player, but that every child could get a solid education.

At times, Charles was held under the microscope for speaking his mind. But when he was on the court smiling and laughing and rebounding, his shortcomings were certainly forgotten.

He is an inspiration to short people everywhere, as he is one of the most prolific rebounders the game has ever seen despite giving up nearly five inches to most forwards.

And he was sure to remind everyone of his talent, saying that "any moron can score," but it takes real talent and ability to rebound.

Often times, to make up for his size, Barkley was forced to play a bit more of a physical game inside. This kind of play, along with his short fuse, has led to many altercations.

In the 70s, there was Ali-Frazier, in the 80s, it became Barkley-Laimbeer. These two were in each other's faces probably more often than any other two players in history. Despite their differences on the court, both men respected the other's intensity and determination.

Earlier this season, Barkley found himself in a fight with Shaquille O'Neal after O'Neal threw the ball at the Rockets forward. Barkley claimed he retaliated against the big man because his grandmother taught him not to let anyone push him around.

Comments like this are what made Charles the player he was. No matter what the situation was, Barkley could always add a humorous twist.

Despite all his technicals and suspensions, Barkley could still be seen riding a horse in a Right Guard deodorant commercial, claiming, "Anything less would be uncivilized."

So, whether you found it humorous or offensive that Charles elbowed an Angolan in the Olympics with his team up by 50, Barkley probably doesn't really care.

One thing he has always cared about and will have to walk away without is an NBA title. His best chance came with the Phoenix Suns in 1993 against the Chicago Bulls. But this door was slammed in Game Six when John Paxson hit a game-winning three pointer as time expired.

But there is a vision of Charles that will always remain in my mind.

It's one of a player who gave his all every time on the court. A player who had Scandal's "The Warrior" as his theme music in the NBA Superstars video. It's one of a player who brought fans to their feet on a regular basis, whether in Philadelphia, Phoenix or Houston.

And believe it or not, this player was chosen in the draft behind Sam Bowie.

So, who better to discuss his impact on the world than the man himself.

"I've said and done some things wrong, but I can honestly say I've done more right than wrong," Barkley once said. "Am I going to heaven? It's going to be a real close vote."

UPON FURTHER REVIEW is a weekly sports column written by a Chronicle sports columnist. It appears every Wednesday.