Recruiting Report: Devon Barnes (2021)
The Will Barton Elite Camp is becoming a great event for out of state invitees to come in and make a name for themselves here in the Baltimore area, even if it’s only for one afternoon. That’s what 2021 point guard Devon Barnes did in last year’s event and he followed it up with another strong performance in this year’s edition.
Barnes hails from Lawton Christain School located in Oklahoma. He finished this past AAU season playing for Drive Nation in Dallas, but will sport a Team Thrill jersey next spring and summer on the UAA Circuit.
“This summer I played for a couple of different teams,” Barnes continued, “so it was a difficult summer for myself, but it made me push myself and makes me know what I have to do next summer.”
After completing his sophomore season last year, Barnes came into the camp not known by many scouts. It didn’t take long to notice the 5’11 point guard due to his shot making ability and the all out effort he puts into every possession. Fast forward to this year’s event, Barnes has not only matured physically, but mentally as well.
“I feel like I improved on my thinking throughout the game,” Barnes told Prep Hoops. “Before I wanted to score 30 every time, but I realize that college coaches want to see a point guard of my size do other things like dish and lead my team to a win. Instead of 30, I can focus on just getting 20 and getting my teammates involved with assists.”
Barnes led Lawton Christian to their first ever HCAA State championship this past February and was the key piece scoring 31 points, dishing out six assists and recording five steals in the win.
His success has resulted in Division I programs taking note.
Southern Methodist and Eastern Washington are two schools that have been in consistent communication with Barnes. Neither has offered, but it’s safe to say that at least one of them will pull the trigger at some point.
“They like my aggressiveness,” Barnes said about the schools involved with is recruitment. “Especially on defense. I guard my match up full court. They also like my leadership and my finishing at the rim.”