Charles Barkley told a fantastic story about the first time he met an 18-year-old Dirk Nowitzki

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• Charles Barkley first met Dirk Nowitzki at an exhibition game in 1997, and the then-18-year-old German big man scored 52 points against a team of NBA All-Stars.
• According to Barkley, he introduced himself to Nowitzki and tried to convince Nowitzki to play for his alma mater, Auburn University.
• Barkley said Nowitzki baffled him by saying he had to join the army.
• Nowitzki later said he didn't go to an American college because he didn't want a coach to change his game. He was drafted to the NBA in 1998.
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The first time Dirk Nowitzki met Charles Barkley, he stunned the 11-time All-Star and Hall of Famer.

In 1997, then-18-year-old Nowitzki played for a German team against a group of NBA All-Stars at the Nike Hoop Heroes exhibition game.

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from Business Insider https://read.bi/2TTPz1A