Barnes adding to FSU’s “basketball” tradition (video)
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Barnes (pictured in the 2018 Nike EBYL for Nike Team Florida) became one of the main cogs in the Florida State Seminoles' journey to the Sweet Sixteen in 2021.
After a sparkling 2021 NBA Combine performance athletically, FSU’s Scottie Barnes re-affirmed his status as one of the most versatile players in this year’s draft class. His ability to guard multiple positions, run the floor and distribute makes him an amoeba-type prospect. In last year’s NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls surprised many by taking former Seminole Patrick Williams with the fourth overall pick. We spotlighted Williams prior to the draft as a high-riser. Could Barnes be the next Seminole to surprise and go in the top five picks of this year’s draft?
Even if he doesn’t, the cupboard continues to stay full for the basketball program in Tallahassee. Aside from Williams, DraftNasty’s Troy Jefferson did a deep dive on his teammate, Devin Vassell, who was selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 11th overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft. In fact, the Seminoles have produced seven first or second round picks dating back to the 2016 NBA Draft. That list includes 2021 NBA playoffs star Terrence Mann, taken 48th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Despite playing slightly over 24 minutes per game, the former Seminole earned ACC Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2021. Not only did he average four assists and four rebounds per game, Barnes also averaged over 10 points per game. We went inside his game during his time on the Nike EYBL circuit, when he played alongside former Duke standout Vernon Carey, Jr. for Nike Team Florida (No. 23) in 2018 and then the Nightrydas (wearing No. 1) in 2019, when he starred alongside 2021 NBA prospect Isaiah Todd, who played for the NBA G League Ignite this past season.
2021 NBA Combine results (Barnes):
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