Brandon Barnes: In a digital age where much of basketball education has become paywalled or inaccessible, Coach Brandon Barnes stands out for doing something different: teaching openly. As an assistant men’s basketball coach at Cal State Bakersfield, Barnes doesn’t just coach his own roster — he shares his insights publicly, making him a resource for young hoopers everywhere.
Sharing Knowledge Freely On Social Media
What sets Coach Barnes apart is not just what he knows, but how willingly he shares it. On platforms like Instagram and X, he posts drills, mindset tips, recruiting insights, and motivational messages. His bio explicitly notes: “Helping families navigate college recruiting” Instagram and “Basketball Player Turned Coach.” X (formerly Twitter)
A few sample posts:
- “Simplify Your Game: Master the Simple Things That Recruiters Want to See.” Instagram
- “The best players I’ve ever coached weren’t handed anything.” Instagram
- “It’s about showing up every day with intention, with heart, and with that signature Coach Barnes fire.” Instagram
Coach Barnes’s Impact
In an era where social media is full of highlight reels, Barnes stands out for highlighting habits. He’s not chasing clout — he’s shaping culture. Every post, every word, every clip is about helping young players see that basketball is bigger than stats — it’s about growth, mindset, and purpose.
Final Word
From player to coach/mentor, Brandon Barnes embodies what modern coaching should look like — grounded, generous, knowledgeable, and accessible.
Whether it’s in a Division I huddle or a viral Instagram reel, Coach Barnes is doing what great teachers do best: turning his personal journey and experiences into a lesson for others
📣 Follow Coach Barnes
If you’re an aspiring player, parent, or coach, do yourself a favor and tap in with Coach Barnes:
- Instagram: @coachbarnes2
- Twitter/X: @CoachBarnesTwo
- CSUB Bio: GoRunners.com — Brandon Barnes