Player Spotlight: 2026 Jaren Barnett

Photo: 1st Love Basketball

Houston Wilson October 20, 2021 @ 09:38 AM

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This past weekend I went to the 1st Love Middle School Academy in Burlington, New Jersey and 2026 Jaren Barnett was one of the most dominant players in the gym. All day long he showed his advanced level skill set at the lead guard position and was making tremendous reads the entire day. Being from New Jersey, right now he is playing his AAU basketball with the NY Rens. Prep Hoops Next was able to catch up with his coach, Sean Adams, to learn more about Barnett’s game and how it is to coach Barnett.

“Barnett started playing with us right when COVID started. Having him is like having a really good quarterback on a football team. He calls all the plays out and makes sure everybody is doing what they need to do. He is a quiet kid that doesn’t say a whole lot but just follows instructions and gets everything done.”

This past weekend he definitely showed that he can score in a variety of ways and was actually looking to score first but he also has very good point guard traits and Sean acknowledged that.

“He is always making sure everybody is in the right place when we are calling out a certain set. If somebody does not know where to be, he is the one always pointing them to the right direction. I have several point guards that are on my team and he is my starting point guard.”

Right now Barnett is only 5’5 so what happens with his growth will tell a lot about the type of future Barnett will have but Sean is very optimistic about Barnett playing division one basketball.

“Obviously how much he grows is going to tell us a lot about his future but he is so quick and can get to the rim really quick. His mid range shot is effective and his three point shot is getting better. He has great vision ,a very high basketball IQ and knows how to get the ball to his scorers and I believe all of these skills will help him get to the division one level.”

Even before Barnett can start thinking about playing college basketball there is a lot left to learn and improve on and Adams spoke on that.

“I want him to keep improving on his three point shot because he has his mid range and floater down and he can get into the lane. I want to see him get a higher percentage on his three point shot and I know that will come.”

Stay tuned for more from Prep Hoops Next!

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