Barrett Gives Vanderbilt Another Ballhandler in His Return
T.O. Barrett returned to Vanderbilt’s lineup in its November 2 win over Bellarmine, adding a veteran ballhandler and defender as he works back from injury.
Vanderbilt used two point guards for stretches of its win over Bellarmine on November 2, with T.O. Barrett back after missing much of the preseason. Coach Mark Byington’s team had wanted to use multiple ballhandlers more often, but injuries and suspensions had limited its options last season. Barrett’s return gives Vanderbilt another guard to pair with Tyler Tanner, Ace Glass and Ant Brown.
Barrett played 13 minutes while on an injury-related minutes restriction. He scored four points, recorded four assists and committed one turnover. Byington said Barrett passed well, read the game and moved well, adding that the staff hopes to increase his role. Tanner said having Barrett available means the team can keep two guards on the floor and does not have to rely on one player to bring the ball up.
Vanderbilt brought Barrett in primarily to help run the offense rather than as a high-volume scorer. At Missouri last season, he averaged 8.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game, shooting 46 percent from the field and 20.5 percent from three-point range. The Commodores’ staff had seen him score 16 points against them, with five assists, and believes his ability to drive and draw defensive attention can translate to his new team. Barrett is now part of Vanderbilt’s rotation, and the team expects to give him more minutes as he regains rhythm.