Pitt transfer was a redshirt freshman last season
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Marlon Barnes Jr. was announced as the newest signee to the University of Evansville men’s basketball team by head coach David Ragland.
“We’re excited to add Marlon and his family to our UE family. It was extremely important to add height, athleticism, and perimeter shooting to our roster,” Ragland exclaimed. “Marlon imbodies all those qualities and has the ability to both defend multiple positions while offensively playing multiple positions.”
Barnes was a redshirt freshman at the University of Pittsburgh last season after redshirting as a true freshman the year prior. He saw the floor in eight games for the Panthers throughout the 2024-25 season. Barnes made his collegiate debut in the season opener against Radford where he played three minutes while picking up a rebound and an assist. In the regular season finale, he scored two points versus Boston College.
Rated a three-star recruit out of Brush High School in Cleveland, Ohio, Barnes was ranked as the No. 5 overall recruit from the state of Ohio. As a senior, he averaged 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds while being named Ohio Prep Sports Writers Association Honorable Mention. Barnes was also named to the Northeast Lakes All-District Team and was a News Herald Second Team All-Star pick.
“I chose UE because I feel that it is a place where I will have an opportunity to play the game that I love and develop both on and off the court,” Baranes said. “The coaches and staff are very welcoming and seems excited for what I can bring to the team.”
One of his top performances came in an OHSAA Division I district final victory over Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary’s where he recorded 17 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks.
Barnes led his team to a 20-4 record and a pair of state playoff wins as a junior. He garnered News Herald All-Star recognition in 2022.
