If you're already on the lookout for the next NBA prospect, a top trainer revealed that a kid named R.J. Barrett is already beating NBA guys in workouts, and might be well on his way to being basketball's next big talent.
Drew Hanlen — who has trained with the likes of Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum, Bradley Beal, and Andrew Wiggins — said that the 18-year-old Barrett was going toe-to-toe with some NBA players and even beating a number of them in one-on-one.
“He competes harder than anyone I've had at that age,” Hanlen told Alex Kennedy on the HoopsHype Podcast. “He was playing in the pickup games with our NBA guys, not only holding his own, but kind of shining at times and beat some of the NBA guys in one-on-one.”
The 6-foot-7 forward will be headed to Duke and is already working out with them. Currently, critics tag Barrett as the consensus number one pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Hanlen pointed out that among the players he has worked with, Jayson Tatum had the best work ethic. He added that he would put Barrett right behind Tatum.
“To me, Jayson Tatum was the most professional … kid I've ever had as far as walk into the gym, just handles himself like a pro, watches film like a pro and works like a pro. I put R.J. right behind Jayson in that category.”
Though some have criticized Barrett for not possessing a jump shot, Hanlen defended the kid, noting that people will see a stark improvement once he suits up with Duke:
“That was his one kind of little question mark. He's improved his shot a ton. I think he'll get better results at Duke than people have seen in the past.”
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