NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing options for grad transfer Brendan Barry

Iowa State Cyclones

With no Tyrese Haliburton around, Iowa State will need a competent ball-handler next season Rasir Bolton averaged 2.8 apg but turned the ball over just as much. He may be better to play off the ball, which could allow Barry the chance to be a starting point guard in the Big 12. Those two could play well together but would the Cyclones be a competitive enough team with them leading the charge? And is Barry good enough to start for a power conference program with tournament aspirations?

Michigan Wolverines

With a top-5 nationally ranked recruiting class and a few key pieces returning, Michigan has plenty going for them next season. However, with Zavier Simpson and his 7.9 apg average gone, there’s a gaping hole at the point guard position. It’s clear that the Wolverines are targeting every talented point guard in the transfer portal, including fellow former Ivy Leaguers Mike Smith and Bryce Aiken. Barry probably isn’t their first choice but would still be an effective backup option off the bench if he wanted to go to Ann Arbor anyways.

Pittsburgh Panthers

The Panthers have had their fair share of losses to the transfer portal, with both Ryan Murphy and Trey McGowens leaving. That leaves both Xavier Johnson and Delaware transfer Ithiel Horton (13.2 ppg in 2018-19) in the backcourt, meaning that there’s a giant need for a veteran guard to come in. Barry would be an ideal fit, as he can play off the ball but still handle it himself. And compared to those outgoing transfers, Barry doesn’t need the ball as much to be effective. He could get 20+ mpg on an ACC program that’s nearby.