As soon as it was settled that Isaiah Barnes wouldn’t play in video games the remainder of the season, he performed higher in follow.

As is the case for all freshmen, school basketball was an adjustment for Barnes — each school and basketball. In December, after he’d performed a complete of six minutes over two video games for Michigan, it was determined that one of the best plan of action was to redshirt, with the hope of preserving an additional season of eligibility. The NCAA must approve that.

Barnes arrived in Ann Arbor because the 118th-ranked participant, nationally, in his class. The 6-foot-7 wing performed for 3 completely different excessive colleges within the Chicago space, together with his senior season at Simeon Academy.

He dedicated to Michigan in the summertime of 2020 regardless of COVID restrictions stopping him from visiting campus or assembly head coach Juwan Howard in particular person. Barnes was interested in the fame of this system and the college, and related with Howard and his workers.

“Isaiah brings a piece ethic and a drive that we had been instantly drawn to,” Howard stated in a press release after Barnes and his classmates signed their letters of intent. “His talent set on the ground is so very versatile that it’ll permit him to play many alternative roles for us.”

At Michigan, one other freshman, Caleb Houstan, began each recreation at his place. With taking pictures guard Eli Brooks and ahead Terrance Williams II returning, there wasn’t a lot enjoying time for Barnes.

He made his debut in Las Vegas in opposition to Arizona on Nov. 21, in Michigan’s fifth recreation, enjoying the ultimate 2:34 of a blowout loss. Two video games later, on Dec. 1, he performed the ultimate 2:40 in one other lopsided defeat, at North Carolina. Barnes by no means tried a shot — nor even gave the slightest concept that he would possibly. His solely field rating stat was a defensive rebound on a missed free throw.

On and off the courtroom, he was acclimating to school: the tutorial, social, and basketball components. On prime of all that, competing for enjoying time — which wasn’t more likely to end in a lot — grew to become a burden.

When it was lifted, Barnes’ follow efficiency improved. As a member of the scout staff, he’d simulate Michigan’s opponents’ offensive units. Scout staff members are given extra freedom than rotation gamers, and there have been days that Barnes balled out.

From July to the top of the season, he was maybe probably the most improved participant on the roster, in response to assistant coach Phil Martelli (Jace Howard was the opposite participant Martelli talked about).

“He has explosiveness in his recreation,” Martelli stated. “And he began to shoot the ball higher and higher.”

Martelli stated that Barnes, like many younger gamers, must proceed to work within the weight room.

How a lot Barnes’ will contribute subsequent season partly depends upon the roster. Brooks is gone. Houstan declared for the NBA draft however may nonetheless return. Kobe Bufkin appeared in 28 video games as a freshman final season. Michigan is exploring the switch portal as nicely.

Barnes might be a second-year participant. The NCAA will resolve whether or not he has three or 4 seasons left. All redshirt hopefuls should enchantment to the NCAA. One other Michigan freshman, Will Tschetter, has a cut-and-dried case: He by no means appeared in a recreation this season. Barnes’ documentation will present context for the choice, since he did play a few occasions early within the season.

Michigan is hopeful the redshirt might be granted. The method is underway, however there’s no strict timetable for a ruling.

Whatever the end result, Barnes will attempt to construct off what he did behind the scenes. Do this, and he has an opportunity to showcase his expertise in a extra public setting.