Former Spartan basketball player Joe Barker (2020) is now a volunteer coach for the current teams.
During Barker’s senior season he was named the 2020 Superior Telegram All Area Basketball Player of the Year, first team in the Lake Superior Conference, and was nominated to play in the Wisconsin/Minnesota border battle game.
With Barker’s background at SHS and UW-Superior basketball, the high school’s boys basketball head coach Kory Deadrick decided to hire him within a heartbeat.
“It’s important to have a coach or two on staff that played at Superior. Coaching and being a part of our culture means more because they have done it themselves,” Deadrick said.
For Barker, being a part of basketball most of his life, he missed being around that type of competitive environment. So when given the chance to help out with the current players and be around the sport itself, is something that will fill that missing piece after graduating from college.
“I want to help any team that I can. Especially somewhere that I came from. It just makes it so much better,” Barker said.
Just graduating from UWS, Barker will show the Spartans a different lens into the game of basketball. Possibly bringing new strategies or practice drills. Barker’s high school coach at the time, Jake Smith knows that Barker will bring excitement to the game and to each player.
“Basketball is a sport that always evolves too. It’s nice to get some young guys in there that can give you a fresh perspective,” Smith said.
Even though the game has changed over the years, Barker still sees a lot of similarities from the time he was in high school, to now.
“When I was in high school I was really trying to put in the work on my own time. Whether it was in the off season or outside of practice. I’ve seen that a few times with different kids. Just on their own time in the weight room or getting up shots after practice,” Barker said.
Current players are very excited to have Barker as another coach, because he helps both during practice and games. Barker adds more intel, and also builds relationships with the players. Senior player Landon Anrig knows that those skills are very beneficial to the program.
“Joe will be a great addition to the team as he is very knowledgeable on the game of basketball and has a more of a relation to the players, as he has just finished playing over at UWS,” Anrig said.
As the season continues, both coaches and players are thrilled to see Barker on the bench this year. Barker adds more excitement and skills to the program, and will help lead the Spartans to victory.
