Q&A: TJ Barnes (UTS Elite 15u)
TJ Barnes (2021, PG, Grandville/UTS Elite 15u) is turning some heads. He is off to a strong start in the spring and is one of the leaders on a dangerous UTS Elite 15u squad. Barnes is making it apparent that college coaches in search of an athletic floor general should put him on their radar and keep an eye on the UTS Elite 15u team. We caught up with TJ Barnes for a Q&A session.
Question: What do you think is the biggest strength of your game?
TJ Barnes: Ball handling.
Question: How do you feel about you and your high school teams performance last season?
TJ Barnes: I felt like we could’ve done better but I also feel we did a really good job as a team.
Question: What part of your game do you feel really developed over the high school season?
TJ Barnes: My finishing around the basket and my pull up jumper.
Question: What are your basketball goals this spring and summer?
TJ Barnes: To help and lead my team to be ranked in the city and country also to just keep getting better and better.
Question: Is there an event you are really looking forward to?
TJ Barnes: ”The Phenom 150 basketball camp” in San Diego.
Question: Who is the best player you have ever matched up against?
TJ Barnes: I’m going to be honest. It’s my coach Marcus Lancaster and I hate that I am saying this but that man is tough with the rock. Shout out to coach.
Question: What do you like the most about AAU/travel season?
TJ Barnes: I get to see different things and go to different places I’ve never been. Also me and my teammates are like brothers so I love traveling with them.
Question: What professional player do you think your game resembles?
TJ Barnes: I watch a lot of Derrick Rose. So I’ll say Derrick Rose.
Question: Is there a teammate on your AAU/travel team that you are especially looking forward to playing with?
TJ Barnes: Kobe “Kbeezy” Bufkin. I always look forward to playing with him every game. Not just because he his a good ball player but that’s like my best friend to be honest. It’s always fun playing with that boy.
Question: What do you think will be the key to your teams success this spring and summer?
TJ Barnes: The key will be having fun and coming together as a team. There’s always room for improvement but I can honestly say that our team loves to work. So we will work hard and hopefully win some games.