With George Mason’s 2021-2022 season behind us, our attention has shifted to the future of the Patriots program, and with that in mind, we took the opportunity to catch up with one of the top priorities for KE & Co. in the Class of 2023: Rich Barron.
The 6’5 220-pound Guard/Wing out of St. Ignatius in Chicago is coming off of a Junior season to remember. The Barron-led Wildcats advanced to the IHSA Final Four for the first time in program history, tying the school record for wins with 24, and eventually taking home the 3rd place trophy following a 61-59 victory over Simeon Academy. For Barron, it was a long-awaited triumph.
https://twitter.com/richardbarron_/status/1417669557255385092?s=20&t=yX89v6Hqh-uhyOYJCkHBOQ
“The season was truly one a kind. The group of guys we had is what made it possible. Tying the school record for wins is just another accolade we came across on the long journey, so it was truly amazing. Our run down-state has never been done before either. My freshman year, covid took the opportunity away from our team, so this year we were determined to do it.”
Speaking of accolades, Barron took home one of his own, garnering a IBCA 3A 1st team All-State selection following a season that saw him average over 15ppg, and establish himself as not only one of the best players in Chicago, but one of the best in the state of Illinois. Speaking with Barron though, he humbly views the All-State honor as a team accomplishment.
https://twitter.com/richardbarron_/status/1482854391338180610?s=20&t=yX89v6Hqh-uhyOYJCkHBOQ
“1st team All-State for me was more of a team award than a personal award. My coaches and my teammates invest so much in me, it’s almost like I knew I could get it. My teammates believe in me to put the ball in the basket and the coaches made it easier putting me in spots to shine. I’ve always labeled myself a winner and getting that award means a lot to me because it means others think I’m a winner as well.”
In addition to St. Ignatius, Barron laces up for one of the top AAU programs in the country, Meanstreets. He attributes a lot of the growth that everyone witnessed this high school season to his time within his AAU program, which has a long history of not only developing top talent but creating an environment where that talent helps foster in the next generation.
“Meanstreets is not only a program, it’s a family. I’ve been playing with MeanStreets since 5th or 6th grade. I love AAU because it brings out the true colors of a person’s mentality. I didn’t start 16u off as a starter, but I was determined, and I found myself starting midway through spring. They’ve helped me grow as a player because our program does a great job of keeping alumni in our circle, where you can look up to a previous player. But nonetheless, the coaches push you on a day to day basis, no easy ways out. It’s like one big family looking out for one another.”
In his introductory press conference, Coach English preached that the players within his program would play extremely hard, exemplify toughness, and be uncomfortably competitive. When asked what he would potentially bring to Fairfax, Barron spoke like a player that would fit that mold to a tee.
“As a player I bring competitiveness. At St. Ignatius our slogan is “Refuse to Lose”, hearing that every day, and my father being from Simeon High School and the stories he tells me, I have a big competitive drive.”
When you see Rich Barron on the court, you see a big guard that frequently fills it up from behind the arch as a spot up shooter, and off the dribble. His powerful frame allows him the ability to get to the bucket through contact, finish above the rim, and defend the post when called upon to do so. While those are self-admitted strengths of his game, he’s already thinking about how he can improve to be able to produce at the next level.
“I can play 1 through 5, and guard the post as well. I think one of my strengths is shooting the ball and finishing around the rim. One thing I can improve on is my passing. I think I can pass really well, but as I transition to a guard in college my passing needs to become on point.”
George Mason’s recruitment of the Chicago-native began this past summer after they caught Barron playing for MeanStreets at an AAU event. This was followed by an offer from Coach English on July 20th and the outreach from the staff, namely Nate Tomlinson, has been consistent from that day forward.
“Coach English called me after one of my Peach Jam games, and ever since we’ve been in contact. My relationship with Coach English and Coach Nate is super tight. Coach Nate calls all the time, just checking in on me, seeing how I’m doing, stuff like that, and it for sure makes me feel wanted. The coaches’ main message is that I’m important to them, and that I have what it takes to be a great player.”
As expected with a player of his caliber, Barron’s list of offers and interest has continued to grow along with his strong performance. To date, he has taken visits to the University of Illinois, Loyola Chicago, and Southern Illinois University. Now that his high school season has completed, Barron will consult with his family and coaches to determine his next steps, scheduling visits, and eventually working toward a decision down the road.
It’s clear from talking to him that Barron thrives in a team environment. From the Wildcats, to Meanstreets, it always comes back to relationships for him, so it’s no surprise that a strong relationship is at the forefront of his mind when he looks at where he’d like to spend his collegiate career.
“The most important thing to me outside of basketball is relationships. My family is huge on relationships. So, with me, the relationship with coaches, players, and even fans is huge.”
Recruiting has always been a largely relationship-driven business, one that Kim English and his staff have proven to have a deep understanding of. Both of George Mason’s 2022 pledges; Devin Dinkins and Justyn Fernandez, talked about their connection with the staff as a main reason for their commitments. D’Shawn Schwartz and Ticket Gaines built relationships with members of the staff at their previous institutions that ultimately led them to Fairfax. If the focal point of Barron’s college decision is having a strong relationship with every facet of the program, there’s no doubt that the Patriots are worth the strong look that he is giving them.
Links to some of Barron’s highlights are below
https://twitter.com/richardbarron_/status/1470468880506236937?s=20&t=yX89v6Hqh-uhyOYJCkHBOQ
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