Spring Combine Recapture: Nathan Barnhart
In an event filled to the brim with guards, eighth grade forward Nathan Barnhart did some damage on the interior, even in the All-Star Game among high school sophomores and juniors. Barnhart stands 6-foot-1, but plays with an eye to the basket anytime he gets near the rim.
What does the future hold for Nathan? What style of play with what attributes will emerge for the Rutherford County youngster?
Nathan Barnhart, 6’1″ WG (Rockvale Middle) — 2023
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- PrepHoopsTN Combine All-Star Selection
- Standing Reach — 95″ or 7’11”
- Height — 6’1″
- Wingspan — 5’11”
- Vertical — 18.0″
- Lane Agility — 13.28, 13.40
- Spring Combine Ranking — #16
Class of 2023 forward, perhaps future wing, Nathan Barnhart demonstrated several marketable skills during the PrepHoopsTN / AboveTheRimGym Spring Combine. Barnhart finished around the rim with a fluidity and confidence most younger players lack. Barnhart fought in the lane and embraced the minimal contact his body absorbed. In the coming years Barnhart would do well to take more significant contact and capably finish off the play.
Prior to entering high school, Nathan stands 6-foot-1 with a 5-foot-11 wingspan. Barnhart’s bounce is 18″ and he plays with his arms high and shoulders engaged.
Improving his lateral quickness (13.28, 13.40) is imperative for a player likely to mature into a small forward or traditional wing. He has to prove he can guard wing attackers away from the basket. Sliding feet will be critical. In this particular setting he competed in deep and did so successfully. Four years from now, unless he grows 6+ inches, his game will need to incorporate more handles and perimeter defense.
Positives include movement off the ball and fitness. Nathan has an instinct that says, ‘show and move.’ This is fantastically helpful to both his team’s attack and his personal availability. Too often, at every level, players make a cut and then hover and hang in that pocket. Nathan feels when he is open and when he is covered he effectively moves to shed his defender. Wonderful!
In order to maximize his mobility and keep dragging defenders around the court, Nathan needs to maintain his excellent level of fitness as he tacks on meaningful muscle. Coaches and teammates love flashing teammates. This is an attractive quality already embedded in his maturing game.
Nathan Barnhart competes with Team ARG AAU.