It is shear March Madness.

How else can you explain one of Auburn’s biggest fans giving a “Roll Tide?”

Such was the case Tuesday when NBA analyst and former Tigers star Charles Barkley, who will be covering the NCAA tournament for Turner Sports, was asked his pick for national champion.

“I’m picking – and this is painful for me to say – ‘Roll Tide,’” Barkley said with emphasis. “National champion.”

Meanwhile, Barkley is excited about both the Crimson Tide and his Auburn Tigers playing in Birmingham.

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“I think it’s great for the state, it’s great for Birmingham,” Barkley said on “The Next Round.” “Auburn, you know, we’ve got a chance against Iowa. Iowa’s solid, but in my opinion, I love our coach (Bruce Pearl), so I believe we’ve got a chance against anybody. Just got to keep the game close and make some shots.”

Barkley is all in on Alabama’s Brandon Miller, calling him “the perfect NBA player today.”

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He also added the state’s standard rivalry rules do not apply when it comes to the NCAA tournament.

“This is not like football,” he said. “I think both teams should cheer for the other team, especially being in Birmingham is a huge advantage.”

Mark Heim is a sports reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.