(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS men’s basketball team is adding 6’3” point guard Marcus Barnes, of Kitchener, Ontario, to their recruiting class of 2022.

The 18-year-old has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2022-2023 Atlantic University Sport season.

"Marcus is a true combo guard with a great feel for the game,” said REDS head coach Joe Salerno. “He’s a gifted scorer, but also has the ability to distribute and run the show from the point. He's the type player that the game just comes easy to.”

Barnes recently graduated from the prestigious New Horizon Academy, in Burlington, Ontario.

In the highly competitive Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association, Barnes was New Horizon’s second-leading scorer, averaging 17.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. He was one of the league’s top two players in three-point shots made.

“I’ll bring a great mix of competitiveness and an easy-going nature that will be sure to help build the team,” said Barnes. “The campus and facilities are beautiful, but most importantly, the connection I’ve felt with Coach Salerno and the amazing opportunity for me is what appealed to me most.”

Barnes played his Grade 11 year at Bill Crothers Secondary School, in Markham, and spent time in the elite Northern Kings club program.

“He’s gained a lot of experience competing against high-level competition during his time at New Horizon Prep, as well as playing for the Northern Kings AAU club,” said Coach Salerno. “He is another very exciting addition to our program and has the potential to be a high-level player here for years to come."

Barnes says his immediate goal will be to “get better every day, whether on or off the court.” He says, long-term, he wants to help the REDS win championships.

Barnes will study Business Administration while attending UNB.

PHOTOS: Submitted