Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Romeoville, IL (Future150) -- We added some Midwest flavor to our Future150 Elite24 All-American Camp this August with the addition of 2021 guard Isaiah Barnes, and he didn't disappoint after making the trip from Chicago.
The 6'5" combo guard was one of the standouts of the weekend, offering a glimpse of just how much upside the talented guard has. Here's the evaluation I gave of him after his standout weekend at camp.
"There's a lot to like about the jumbo guard/wing prospect, who looks like one of the best prospects right now in his class in the Midwest region. He measured in at 6'5" at camp and is able to play multiple positions on the floor, including a point-forward role. He's got solid ball skills and is smooth when attacking the rim. What surprised us some is his athleticism, with multiple dunk attempts when challenging defenders near or at the rim. With continued improvements on both ends, he should be one of the rising stars in the region over the next few years."
His standout play has carried over to his inaugural varsity season at Romeoville High School (IL), where he's currently averaging 6.5 points and 3.0 rebounds per game just a few games into his freshman year.
"I really want to go down state and win. I'm trying to gain experience on and off the court and perform well," he told Future150.
Already holding a scholarship offer from Chicago State with interest coming from UIC, Loyola & Penn, it's safe to say that the secret is starting to be out on the talented Illinois prospect.
The cousin of former Illini star & NBA player Brian Cook, and the brother of Daniel Barnes, who played high school ball at Oak Park-River Forest (IL) with Iman Shumpert before having a successful career at UIC, there's some nice bloodlines in his family.
One thing Isaiah is really focusing on going forward is making sure people understand that he is more than just a basketball player.
"I really like James Harden because of his deceptive moves and he isn't one dimensional. I care about my academics just as much as I care about basketball, and I can even play the piano."
Like most prospects his age, he's working on his strength and speed, which has been an adjustment at the varsity level.
He'll be suiting up for Meanstreets again this AAU season, giving people far beyond the state of Illinois a chance to see just how talented the guard prospect is.
"My goal is to eventually attend a high-major college, build positive relationships with people and be a productive citizen. I would like to get drafted into the NBA with the #1 pick, and be the greatest player to ever play. More importantly though, I want to be remembered as a hard worker, a student of the game & a positive role model."
Make sure you get on the Isaiah Barnes bandwagon now, because by the time next summer comes, there won't be much room left.
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