Last Thursday evening George Mason landed a commitment from 6’5 Wing Rich Barron. The Chicago-native was a long-time priority for KE & Co., making his pledge following a recruitment that began in July 2021. He becomes the third member of a Patriots 2023 recruiting class (6’7 Wing Austin Ball and 6’3 Guard Dez White) that has a common theme: Shooting. Barron, Ball and White are widely regarded as elite shooters, to go along with other individual attributes. The talented trio will seemingly have the chance to make an immediate impact as soon as they step on campus, as the Patriots are set to graduate DeVon Cooper, Victor Bailey Jr., and Saquon Singleton from their backcourt following this upcoming season.
Throughout the summer with his high school team St. Ignatius, and his AAU program Meanstreets, Barron put his propensity to fill it up from beyond the arc on full display, while showing off his improved passing ability, and demonstrating his defensive prowess against other high-level guards/wings. His strong build allows him to play through contact on both ends of the floor, and he should arrive in Fairfax next summer physically ready for whatever is thrown at him.
Rich recently gave us some insight on his decision to Rock With the Green & Gold, how the staff reacted to his commitment, his expectations for his Senior season, and what Mason Nation can look forward to.
What made George Mason the right fit for you? You were on-campus a few weeks ago and got to see everything with classes in session. What do you think about the campus? Did anything surprise you?
When I first got there, we went straight to the volleyball game. Although the team didn’t win, seeing all my future teammates there supporting the other student-athletes stuck out to me because it shows the culture of a school and the bonds.
How did you break the news to Coach English that you were committing? What was his and Coach Nate’s reaction?
Coach English was dropping me off at the airport to go back home and he asked me what the next step is. I pointed to the Fairfax sign on the road and that’s how it went down. He was happy and just super energetic when it all went down. All the coaches called and congratulated me. Coach Nate meant a lot to me because he was recruiting me non-stop since last July of 2021. He was just happy and excited for me.
Do you plan on making another trip down to Fairfax for a game this season?
Yes for sure coming down to a game, but the team comes to Chicago twice this season, once to play Tulane and to play Loyola, so I’ll be able to see them a couple of times in my hometown.
Have you talked much with Austin Ball and Desmond White?
Austin, Dez and I were on face time last night just chopping it up. They were both super cool and welcoming of me, and I can tell we are going to be super close on and off the court. Our personalities went together from the conversations we had and I see us getting even closer. They both texted me congrats and positive messages when I committed as well.
3-Point contest. You vs. Coach English. Who is winning?
Coach can shoot but I got him in my opinion. I beat Coach Nate already, so once I get back down there I’m going to have to challenge him to that.
You’ve got a Senior season coming up. What are your expectations and goals for St. Ignatius?
My goals are just to get back to where we were last year individually and team wise too. Get back down state is the main goal, and for me, just getting back to all state first team which I did last year. My biggest goal is winning Catholic League Player of the Year for sure though, and to win the Catholic League (as a team), but ultimately to just have fun my last year with the guys I grew up with. No matter win or lose don’t get too high and never get too low and just keep getting better so we can end at the State Championship game where we were one game short of last year.
Finally, what can Mason Nation look forward to when they see you on the court?
You can look for just a competitive kid who can make shots, defend multiple positions, and who wants to win!
