Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP 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.