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Recruiting Wrap

Bruce Barron creating a chatter

Posted by: Jeremy Werner

Thursday, October 15, 2009 8:45 AM

Read about Barron's Brehm Prep teammates Dre Henley and James Siakam.

Brehm Prep basketball coach Aaron Lee is in a constant struggle with junior guard Bruce Barron.

"Getting (Barron) to be quiet is always a problem," Lee said. "I'm talking about off-the-court. It's so much of him being a kid, being goofy. I say that in a very loving and funny way, but he's always talking."

But Barron, a 6-foot-4 point guard, is also quite vocal on the court, a strength to most of the schools recruiting him. The Brehm Prep standout made a name for himself on the AAU circuit this summer as the Illinois Titans' unquestioned leader and a defensive force.

"Bruce is playing extremely well," Lee said. "He's getting better at the point guard position. He spent last year playing the point for us (for the first time). He's extremely hard working; he's aggressive. He brings a lot to the table.

Barron, a tough-nosed defensive player, has earned scholarship offers from Oklahoma State, Boston College and Nevada. He also has interest from Illinois, Indiana, Notre Dame, Purdue, Vanderbilt and Dayton, among others.

Lee said Barron's offensive game is continually improving.

"Bruce can get to the basket because he has size and length," Lee said. "He does a pretty good job of sticking his 3-point shots, though I'd like him to get a little bit more consistent and (improve on deciding) when to take those shots and when to make that extra pass. Right now, he can score from multiple positions. I'd like to see his shot selection improve."

Brehm Prep began its season last weekend at the Vincennes University Jamboree. With 2011 prospects James Siakam and Dre Henley and top 2012 prospect Emmanuel Ochenje to pass to, Barron is in for a big year, Lee said.

"I think if Bruce focuses on handling the basketball, there's no reason he can't be a double-double guy," Lee said. "He needs to get better defensively as well. Right now, he's our defensive lead guard, but Bruce needs to get after it a little bit more on the defensive end."