Previous Rank: 83

-They say that bigs take a bit more time to develop and our scouts have liked the steady progression from Barker in new threads with DeMatha. Playing with two other promising forward prospects, Barker should carve out a nice role for himself as an energy big that can throw his body around in the paint for rebounds and finish around the rim with a soft touch. Once he learns some of the nuances of the DeMatha system at both ends of the floor, he should blossom into a productive rotation player that impacts the game with his motor.

5p 3r vs Warriors

-Barker made the most of his minutes by serving as a play-making forward from the high post who set great screens but also kept the ball moving on the perimeter. Barker knocked down a wing 3 off the catch, scored through contact at the rim, and has improved his footspeed at the defensive end of the floor to contain ballhandlers on an island. If Barker can improve his conditioning to run the floor for longer stretches of time I think we will be able to see a strong forward prospect that can be effective from the high post or low block in new threads with DeMatha.

-First time that I have seen Barker play in a bit and he impressed as a physical forward prospect that makes his presence known in and around the paint. The timing and physicality of his duck-in’s on the block has really improved as has his footwork around the basket to pivot his way to better finishing angles. Barker scored on short jumpers from the midpost, hit a few putbacks, executed two smooth baby hooks with his strong hand, and served as a defensive deterrent in help side in the key. Would not be surprised to see him get a healthy boost in our next set of updated rankings if he can prove to be a consistent producer in the paint.

David enjoyed a strong summer with the Washington Warriors and opened my eyes to his glaring potential. A big defensive stopper that can alter the course of any offense thanks to his size and timing. Was all over the glass in the games I caught him in over the summer. Makes his money mostly off the offensive glass and cuts to the basket. David has improved slowly with his effectiveness off the dribble, making some notable plays from the perimeter over the summer. Hope to see David’s momentum shift to the regular season with the Wise Pumas as he has the chance to become more relied upon. Reliable rebounder and defender that should make a difference all season for the Pumas.

MBCA

-Love the tools and upside from Barker, as he is already a chiseled 6’7 specimen that can impact the game with his physical play. What he lacks in ball skills at this point he makes up for in energy and a willingness to do whatever his coaches ask him to do on the floor. He’s first to the floor, hits the glass hard, sets bone-crushing screens, and finishes plays above the rim. Excited to track his development this summer.

-Raw forward prospect that has the frame to develop into a menace over the next 3 years. Standing at least 6’7 with big shoulders and a strong core, Barker serves as a physically intimidating piece willing to do the dirty work at both ends of the floor. Once the game slows down for him, I think his defensive rotations and understanding of where/when to cut to space at the offensive end– we’ll begin to see more of his offensive impact on games outside of rebounding and screening. Good long term bet to be successful, coachable and a great teammate.