Meet assistant coach John Barnes
December 06, 2010 | Women's Basketball
Dec. 6, 2010
MADISON, Wis. - The Badger family welcomed a new assistant coach to the staff this summer. John Barnes comes to Wisconsin from Michigan Tech where he was the Huskies head coach for seven years, leading them to five NCAA Division II tournament appearances.
Hometown:
Escanaba, Mich.
Why Wisconsin?
I have followed the program over the years and saw that it has been headed in the right direction. I’ve know Coach Epps and Coach Margenthaler for years and they kept telling me what a great place the University of Wisconsin and Madison are. They were right!
Family members:
My twin brother and I are the youngest of 12. I also have some 30 nieces and nephews. I should know the exact number but I don’t, sorry! I actually have an aunt who is older than me.
Are any other members of your family involved in athletics, basketball in particular?
My father and one older brother were basketball coaches and pretty much all of my brothers and sisters played organized basketball at one time or another.
Where do members of your family live?
Nashville, Columbus, Toledo, Kansas City, Chicago - pretty much all over. We will have more Badger fans at our away games now for sure!
How would you describe your family?
Large! A lot of fun too! We joke and kid each other quite a bit. How often is your family able to get together? Not very much unfortunately. Usually Thanksgiving and Christmas but it’s very rare that everyone can make it. That’s one tough thing about having a huge family.
With such a large family, what are family gatherings and holidays like in your family?
They are a blast! It’s really nice to see everyone in the same place and catch up. Coaching college basketball keeps me pretty busy so I really try to enjoy the times I get to spend with my family.
What are some your favorite things to do with your family?
I like to sit by the campfire and talk with my family. Also anything outdoors - from fishing to hiking to four wheeling. Golf is a lot of fun too! With five brothers, it gets pretty competitive.
How did you get involved in basketball?
It probably started watching my older brothers playing and wanting to be like them. I do remember watching a lot of Celtics games on Friday nights with my dad. A bag of popcorn and a couple of sodas and we were all set!
You played basketball in Denmark for one season. How did you get to play overseas and what was it like to play overseas?
One of my former coaches was in Europe and I sent him some of my college game films. Next thing I know, I was in contact with the president of the Kolding Basketball Klub in Denmark. I guess he had a need for my position so he offered me a contract and I was off to Europe. It was a great experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
What is your favorite thing about the Wisconsin basketball family?
The chemistry. From Coach Stone to the managers, we all get along and are on the same page. We want to do everything we can to win a Big Ten title.
What are some your favorite things to do with the Badger basketball family?
I really enjoyed the golf outing, the corn maze and the Wisconsin Dells trips. I’m sure there are many more good times to come.
What is your favorite thing about Madison?
I would have to say the Badger fans. From the youngsters to the college kids to the old timers, they all love the Badgers and cheer us on with everything they have. It’s a special place. I also love the lakes. The staff has put me in charge of getting a boat for next summer so look for us in front of the Union!
