Jordan Hamilton had some issues when he arrived at the University of Texas in the middle of the summer 2009.

After sitting out his senior year in high school, Hamilton was out of sorts and out of shape.

Hamilton said the things he’s learned from Barnes have helped him take his game "another level."

"Probably in my coaching career I've spent more time away from the court with Jordan Hamilton than I have with any other player," Barnes said, with some consideration. "We've been through almost every emotional feeling. From frustration and anger to a point where you think enough is enough, to where you say my job is as a teacher and mentor and you can't quit.

"I've watched him go through so many things. Not even having a clue to what it meant to be a part of a team, what it meant to be a team player, not even understanding really what basketball is all about.

"He's grown so much. I'm telling you, he's just getting started toward what he can be as a basketball player. But the biggest thing that I'm most proud of is the way he has grown as a person."