Michigan basketball: Isaiah Barnes reveals offseason goals, what he learned during redshirt year

Michigan Wolverines basketball is ‘for competitors only,’ coach Juwan Howard often says, but it’s a developmental program, too. The Maize and Blue had two freshmen redshirt last season — guard/forward Isaiah Barnes and forward Will Tschetter — and while it was sometimes difficult in the moment to not compete in games, they feel all the better for it.

Barnes actually wasn’t slated to redshirt at the beginning of the year. He appeared in two games, battled an injury at one point and is appealing for a waiver to receive his redshirt.

“I learned a lot on the court and also off the court about that, because it really teaches you something,” Barnes said on the Defend The Block podcast with host Brian Boesch of waiting his turn. “At first, obviously, I was mad and upset. I wouldn’t say mad, but I was like, ‘Man, why am I not playing? I’m coming in and I’m playing hard, competing in practice.’

“That really was a big thing for me, and just trusting Coach Howard and the staff, because that’s why I committed here. He just kept telling me to keep doing what I’m doing, stay patient and my time will come eventually. There’s no timestamp on it, but I just know that [my] time is coming.”

RELATED

• Is it Joey Baker and/or Emoni Bates or bust for Michigan basketball?

• Where Michigan wing Caleb Houstan stands in latest ESPN 2022 NBA mock draft

While it didn’t show in games, the 6-7, 185-pounder was working behind the scenes to make sure that time is sooner rather than later. He stuck around in the spring to work with strength coach Jon Sanderson, one of five Michigan players to do so, and is making strides.

“Getting stronger, definitely,” Barnes said of what was gained over the last year since joining the Michigan program. “Stronger, getting bigger and I know the system now.

“I was talking to [associate head] Coach [Phil] Martelli, and he was telling me how he saw a huge improvement in my shot over the last few months.

“I was always really known for being athletic, but I wanted to show the staff and everyone that I’m much more than that. Even Coach Howard was saying how my shot-creating ability improved a lot, knocking down shots, even my ball handling in practice. Being on scout team, I played a lot of point guard, shooting guard and small forward — I played all those positions — and I really developed a lot more skills than I had before from that.”

Barnes also came to find that he could learn a lot about the Michigan program and the game by just watching up close. He didn’t take the valuable opportunity for granted.

“Watching from the sideline is kind of like watching film,” Barnes explained. “You’re sitting by all of the guys, and they see certain things that are going on, and they point out what you’re not supposed to do, ‘Oh, what is he doing? He’s not supposed to be there. He’s not in his right spot.’ Stuff like that, you hear it from a different view.

“When you’re in a game, it’s not really the same thing because you’re in it and you may not see everything. Now, when we watch film, it’s stuff that I already saw from watching it from the sideline. Now, that’s going to translate to when I get on the court. I watched our guys play in our system for a whole season, so I know what we’re looking for and what we’re trying to do and not trying to do, all that.”

Currently, Michigan has just 11 scholarship players slated to be on the roster this winter. The Wolverines could add one or two athletes from the transfer portal, but that’s no guarantee at this time. They’re a bit thin at the guard and wing positions, which opens up some opportunity for Barnes to prove his hard work is paying off.

“Really becoming a huge two-way player and being an athlete, bringing the dog [mentality] to the wing,” Barnes said of his goals for this coming season. “I feel like that’ll really help us. Obviously, coming off of screens, creating for others if I get the chance. Knocking down shots is always a plus. But really, getting out in transition, showcasing my athleticism, all of that good stuff.”

Barnes said being a part of the NCAA Tournament environment during Michigan’s March run was a “crazy” experience. Next year, if the Wolverines find themselves back in that spot, he’s hoping to be an even bigger reason why.