Brunswick alum Marquis Barnett transferring to Kent State

Marquis Barnett had a breakthrough season in South Carolina. Now the former Brunswick standout is coming back to Northeast Ohio. The 6-foot-4, 195-pound guard is transferring from Presbyterian to Kent State as part of a six-player class for veteran coach Rob Senderoff. Barnett will have one season of eligibility remaining. "I think what made Kent State feel like it was the right fit was the love from the coaching staff right away," Barnett said. "The winning culture coach Senderoff has built and instilled in the program was very attractive for me as well." Barnett was a late bloomer at Brunswick but quickly became a mid-major prospect after one of the greatest all-around statistical seasons in Medina County history, averaging 24.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.9 steals and 2.4 blocks. Barnett landed with Presbyterian, located in Clinton, S.C., less than two weeks after the 2020-21 season. Barnett became a starter halfway through his freshman season and averaged 9.0 points as a sophomore before last winter's breakthrough. Barnett put up 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.9 steals and 0.9 blocks for the Blue Hose, earning second-team All-Big South honors and runner-up status in the conference defensive player of the year voting. Kent State has not posted a losing record in 13 seasons under Senderoff. The Golden Flashes were 17-17 overall and 8-10 in the MAC last winter but won the 2023 MAC Tournament. Barnett figures to be a key player right away after Kent State lost its top five scorers to graduation or transfer. "Marquis is a really physical guard who has improved every year offensively," Senderoff said in a press release. "He comes with a defensive mindset that can guard multiple positions. Marquis will help us in every aspect of the game." Contact Albert Grindle at (330) 721-4043 or agrindle@medina-gazette.com.