Driving Ambition
LOS ANGELES — With a driveway, a basketball, and a $25 hoop bought from Craigslist, Tyrone Barker was determined to teach his daughter, Janiah, how to handle the ball. “You’re tall, but you need to learn to dribble,” he told her, as she now plays as a forward on the UCLA women’s basketball team. “We need you to dribble – because no one else is doing that.”
A Unique Playing Style
Tyrone resisted coaches’ efforts to mold Barker into a post player, so she continued to dribble, ultimately excelling as a point guard in high school. This experience helped her cultivate a distinctive playing style that reflects her vibrant personality.
Making an Impact at UCLA
Now at UCLA after transferring from Texas A&M, Barker is showcasing her skills. Her well-timed rebounds keep the ball in the Bruins’ hands, while her fearless approach allows her to score from various positions. Barker’s individuality is on full display, benefitting UCLA (32-2) in the NCAA Tournament.
Growth and Adaptation
After a successful stint at Texas A&M, where she averaged 12.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, Barker found herself integrating with a roster filled with talent at UCLA. While it was sometimes a difficult transition, she began to thrive once she understood her role, reminiscent of her experiences with the U16 National Team and the 3×3 U18 World Cup team. “I just want to get better,” she stated as she became comfortable with the idea of not starting.
Confident and Grounded
Barker contributed significantly during the Bruins’ 84-46 victory over Southern, posting an impressive stat line of 10 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. Throughout her ups and downs during the season, Barker relied on her faith and patient attitude to stay focused, saying, “I’ve been dealing with trying to maintain my confidence while also meeting the team’s needs.”
Facing the Competition
The Bruins are set to compete against the eighth-seeded Richmond (28-6), a team known for its exceptional three-point shooting. Barker understood that Richmond’s style requires her to be more strategic with her aggressive gameplay, a skill she has honed at UCLA. “It’s like preparing for a test,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of being ready for the challenge.
A Journey Full of Surprises
Reflecting on her journey, Barker feels grateful for the experiences that brought her to this moment. Her father, a former basketball player, even taught her how to dunk. When UCLA was revealed as the number one overall seed on Selection Sunday, Barker remained focused and reflective amidst the excitement, stating, “It was surreal. I came from Texas A&M not knowing if we’d make the tournament to being the first pick.”
NCAA TOURNAMENT MATCHUP
Who: No. 8 Richmond (28-6) at No. 1 UCLA (32-2)
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Where: Pauley Pavilion
TV/radio: ESPNEWS/UCLA Digital Radio
