Michigan guard Isaiah Barnes granted redshirt for freshman season by NCAA
Michigan Wolverines basketball guard Isaiah Barnes played in just two games in 2021-22 — one in November vs. Arizona and one in December at North Carolina — totaling 6 minutes. The rule states that those who see any game action don’t get to redshirt, but Barnes applied to the NCAA for one last offseason. That process is complete, and the NCAA has approved his appeal.
He was listed as a sophomore on Michigan’s roster but is now a ‘redshirt freshman,’ one of two on the team along with forward Will Tschetter.
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Barnes hasn’t been able to stick in the rotation this season, either. He’s appeared in 15 games, averaging 6.1 minutes per contest. The 6-foot-7, 200-pounder has totaled 16 points, 17 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block and 3 turnovers, shooting 5-of-16 from the field, including 2-of-9 from three-point range.
The Michigan staff has spoken highly about Barnes, and did so especially earlier this season, but his playing time has been dialed way back. He hasn’t seen game action since Jan. 29 at Penn State.
The Chicago Simeon product got the opportunity to play some meaningful minutes on a couple different occasions this season but didn’t make much of an impact.
He played 14 minutes Jan. 7 at Michigan State, going 0-for-1 shooting from the field.
The most notable playing time came in an all-important home clash with then-No. 1 Purdue Jan. 26. Michigan was without freshman guard Jett Howard, who was out with a left ankle injury, stressing the rotation. He played 6 first-half minutes but struggled mightily, making 1 of his 4 shots from the field — his 3 misses weren’t close to going in — with 2 rebounds. He also had a big defensive lapse in transition.
Barnes is one of five Michigan guards with eligibility remaining after this season, joining freshman Dug McDaniel, sophomore Kobe Bufkin, graduate Jaelin Llewellyn, Jett Howard and junior Jace Howard. The Maize and Blue are also slated to bring in signee George Washington III this coming offseason.
Michigan is 17-15 and awaiting its postseason fate. It’s likely to receive an NIT bid, missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2015 and second time since 2010. Head coach Juwan Howard has won five NCAA Tournament games during his appearances but will have to wait until at least next season to get a chance to add to that number.
