Jordan Barnes – Reshaping His Game

Solidifying His Legacy

(St. Louis, MO) – Indiana State’s Jordan Barnes is reshaping his game. He has set Sycamore records, won state championships in high school, counts several NBA players as personal friends and during his senior season he is reshaping his game.

The 5’10 senior is midway through his senior season in Terre Haute and he’s anything but done or satisfied with all that he has accomplished. His 117 three-pointers during the 2017-18 season are an ISU record. He is climbing the Sycamore scoring ladder and will likely finish his career as one of the top ten all-time scorers. He’s currently third on the three-point basket list and should finish no worse than second.

Why Is He Reshaping His Game?

The St. Louis native realized that ISU success depended on his ability to facilitate for talented teammates and prefer his teammates over his own scoring records. Barnes told me he evalutated where he was at, what talents were around him and that he needed to adjust his personal game plan.

So instead of being the first or maybe even the second scoring option, the Christian Brothers College graduate is looking to set up his teammates for success.

 

 

Indiana State coach Greg Lansing has the second most coaching wins in Sycamore history. His appreciation for Barnes is limitless. He says the reason his freshmen front court players are enjoying some early successes is all due to his veteran leader.

Lansing told me Jordan’s leadership has been outstanding.

 

 

Even opposing coaches see the difference in Barnes’ game. Northern Iowa coach Ben Jacobson says it is obvious that he has been reshaping his game, but that he is still talented enough to do damage with his own scoring abilities.

 

 

Becoming the Senior Leader

During the back side of his ISU career, Barnes is closing in on becoming the ninth best scorer in Indiana State history. He is 24 triples from becoming the second most prolific long distance shooter. The diminutive guard will likely finish in the top ten in steals and assists.

He’s had an outstanding career.

While his legacy is solid, Barnes wants more. He’s glad to be the senior leader, surrounded by younger players that are looking to him for guidance. Barnes wants his team to finish high in the Missouri Valley Conference race.

He loves playing for coach Lansing and believes his team can go far.

 

 

His St. Louis Roots and Pride

Barnes’ high school conference (Metro Catholic Conference) has produced high level basketball talent. Washington Wizards’ star Bradley Beal played in the MCC. So did Boston Celtic luminary Jayson Tatum who was Barnes’ AAU teammate. Current G-League competitor Tyler Cook is a product of the MCC.

I asked him what it’s like to see his friends playing at the highest levels. Barnes told me it is fun to watch and that he knew Tatum would be great and that St. Louis doesn’t receive the respect it deserves when people think about basketball talent. Current prep senior and Duke signee Caleb Love plays for Barnes’ old school.

 

 

(Click here to listen to my entire interview with Jordan Barnes)

 

With 15 regular season games and Arch Madness yet to play, Barnes has been reshaping his game and Valley fans need to pause and appreciate the humble, long and successful career of Jordan Barnes.

Do Good