The South Carolina football team left a lasting impression with the Barnes family through the success of Martay Barnes' older brother, Gamecock running back Rocket Sanders. Now, the Gamecocks' basketball program is hoping to create a similar connection with his younger brother, a highly sought-after Class of 2027 recruit. Head coach Lamont Paris and his coaching staff have been aggressive in their pursuit of Barnes. The Gamecocks reached out to 6-foot-3 combo guard out of the Academy of Central Florida as soon as the recruiting cycle opened on June 15, and they have stayed firmly in the mix with Barnes.
Paris was front and center at Barnes' most recent basketball game with the Austin Rivers SE Elite team, supporting his relationship with the prospect. On the AAU circuit, Barnes is averaging 14.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists this summer. Barnes also surpassed 1,000 career points and scored 16 points in a win over the Tennessee Impact.
Barnes' skillset has not gone unnoticed. He has received many offers including from programs like Kansas, Indiana, Providence, and Ole Miss. Other programs like Kentucky, Michigan, Baylor, Miami, and Georgia have all expressed interest. Before the summer started, Florida State, USF, Mississippi State, and UCF all offered Barnes as well.
“Since June 15, it has really been blowing up,” Barnes told The State. “I have been killing it since the live period I have been in and offers have been rolling since then.”
But South Carolina has held an advantage over other programs with familiarity and family. Barnes came to Columbia last fall to see his brother Rocket Sanders on the field for the Gamecocks. “He said South Carolina felt like home, so it felt like home to me too when I was there,” Barnes said. “Coach Paris has been in contact with me and always talks to me. He is front row center when we play and shows the most love. I love the culture they have and the defense they play. The coaching staff is great.” And that strong connection has inspired Barnes to plan another visit back to Columbia this season.