"You can say War Eagle" - Charles Barkley hilariously reacts to Walker Kessler's girlfriend Abbie Stockard winning Miss America

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler's girlfriend, Abbie Stockard, was crowned Miss America 2025 on Sunday, to the big man's apparent disbelief. A few days later, NBA legend and fellow Auburn alumnus Charles Barkley comically weighed in on Stockard's big win and Kessler's reaction.

Stockard, a cheerleader and nursing student at Auburn, represented Alabama in this year's Miss America pageant, which was held at Orlando, Florida's Walt Disney Theater. She defeated Miss Texas, Annette Addo-Yobo, to capture the title.

Kessler, who reportedly met Stockard during his sophomore season at Auburn (2021-22), watched the competition's culmination intently on television alongside Jazz coach Will Hardy. In a now-viral clip, Kessler stands up and appears stunned by the result as Hardy attempts to hype him up.

"Oh, she won! Let's go!" Hardy says.

During Tuesday's TNT broadcast, Barkley and the "Inside the NBA" crew brought further attention to Stockard's win. The Hall of Famer expressed pride in his alma mater, referencing the school's battle cry.

"You can say War Eagle. I'm proud. No. 1, shout out to my home girl. I wish I knew where she was from," Barkley said (Timestamp: 1:21).

After discovering Stockard's place of origin, Barkley quipped about his native Alabama's knack for producing attractive and intelligent people.

"I told you, boy, we've got good-looking women and brains down there," Barkley said.

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Walker Kessler congratulates his girlfriend Abbie Stockard on her Miss America victory

While Walker Kessler initially appeared speechless by his girlfriend's Miss America triumph, he later collected his thoughts. On Monday, the third-year player posted a tribute to Abbie Stockard on Instagram, commending her for her achievement.

"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."

While Stockard still attends Auburn, Kessler has already made waves in the NBA. Since being drafted No. 22 in the 2022 NBA draft, he has established himself as one of the league's premier rebounders and rim protectors.

Through 28 outings, Kessler is averaging career-bests of 10.4 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game, shooting 71.0%. He ranks seventh in rebounding and second in blocks and field-goal percentage.

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