Jackson Barnes '21 Recruiting Profile

I developed a love for basketball in the first grade when I played on my first team.  I loved having the ball in my hands, and I loved to win with my teammates. My dad has been my coach since that time (until 8^th grade) and that has been both enjoyable and challenging.  I have learned over the years that others will see specific strengths and certain weaknesses in me and my skillset.  From this I have learned to push myself to improve, both on and off the court.  I learned the value of hard work and how to prove my worth. Once getting to 8^th grade and into my freshman year, my teammates and coaches were beginning to see my work paying off and I was being recognized as an asset to my team.   

As a high school player, I want to continue to push myself to become the most valuable player to my teammates and coaches.  I want others to see me continuing to work hard and improving year after year.  I want to be recruited to play in college and continue to experience success at that level.  Overcoming the stigma of being the coach’s son, and being seen as favored, has taught me hard work and perseverance.  I have learned to listen to the criticism and put it to good use, overcoming any negative value assigned to my significance as a teammate and contributor.  These are characteristics and values that I will take with me through high school, and into college – characteristics that no one can discredit, and values that will help me to be the best I can be in basketball and academically.