Center Cameron Barnes talks Oklahoma, TCU and player development

Duncanville, Texas – Junior center Cameron Barnes is one of several future high-major basketball players on the Duncanville High team. 

The 6-foot-10 junior has taken major steps this season for the 27-1  nationally ranked Panthers. The stats aren’t jaw dropping for the upside prospect, but they don’t begin to tell the story. 

Barnes has made serious strides in terms of consistency being a shot blocker and rebounder this season with his best basketball still years away. 

“A big emphasis this season has been blocking shots, rebounding and running the floor,” Barnes told On3. “Then all the other stuff will come.”

Headed into another deep playoff run for Duncanville, the Wichita, Kansas native is nearing double-digit offers. 

“I think seven or so have offered. Like Baylor, Texas A&M, SMU, Wichita State, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, TCU and Memphis. Maybe one other.” 

Several schools in contact daily

Barnes continues to see his recruitment gain steam. And some schools are impressing with maximum effort on a daily basis. That includes a couple of schools yet to offer. 

“On a daily basis. I talk to TCU. Arkansas talks to me on a daily basis too. They haven’t offered yet. Iowa State also on a daily basis, but they haven’t offered. Oklahoma State on daily basis. I talk to Texas Tech a lot.”

Barnes mentioned TCU as having impressed a lot this season, with a number of short drives made to Fort Worth. 

“I talk to Coach Tony Benford. They always want me to come to games. He watches my film sometimes, and tells me what I do wrong. He wants me to be more vocal, and not drifting from my area. I’ve been to a lot of TCU games because it’s local.” 

Sooners assistant K.T. Turner is doing a very good job illustrating how the program can help Barnes down the road. 

“I talk to Coach K.T. Turner a lot. We have a good relationship. It’s a good school. I really like them. They have a good culture. They work hard with development. I went to Oklahoma for a football game during the season.

Barnes made it crystal clear what he is looking for in a program. And the criteria shows an understanding of his future development. 

“I want a coaching staff that is real tight. A staff that tells the truth. Truthful, not just recruiting all the time. And development to give me the chance to get to the next level. The weight room, breaking down film and all the development pieces are important.” 

Barnes said he hopes to hear from Kentucky, North Carolina and Florida in the future.