Staff Writer- Katelyn Hoppe
Senior Guard Myles Barnette was recently named a Preseason First Team All-American according to D3hoops.com. This isn’t Barnette’s first time reaching All-American status, as he achieved this title last March after the Gusties made it to the Sweet 16, won the MIAC regular season, and won the playoff championship. Eventually, however, their season came to an end when they fell 93-92 to UChicago.
Barnette played an essential role in the team, scoring a total of 571 points, averaging 19.7 per game. He was ranked fourth in the nation in D3 with a 38.3% success rate in three-point range, 14th in terms of field goals with 227. Furthermore, he was ranked 25th with the best shooting percentage from the field with 59.6%.
Impressively, Barnette also ranks 17th in the countrywith 122 assists throughout the season, which averages to 4.2 per game, and a 2.8 assist/turnover. The Gustavus team as a whole was incredibly successful in this category, with 7.6 turnovers per game, having the second best turnover ratio, and third best turnover margin in the United States, respectively.
Barnette also excelled in defense, having the 16th most steals, with 72, averaging 2.5 per game. His efforts led the Gusties to have the 28th most turnovers per game with 16.67. The then-Junior Guard led Gustavus to only allow 66.5 per game, ranking 29th in the nation. Notably, Barnette also had a remarkable 120 rebounds and 20 blocks.
Led by Head Coach Justin DeGrood ‘07, the 2025-2026 men’s basketball team broke program records, having an overall winning record of 27-3. DeGrood stepped into his position in 2022, making this upcoming season his fifth season as head coach. Prior to this position, he was Gustavus’ Assistant Coach from 2013-2022, and Bethel’s Assistant Coach from 2010-2013. Throughout his time as head coach, he has received the honor of MIAC Coach of the Year, as well as NABC Regional Coach of the Year.
DeGrood shared that one of the factors that stands out most about Barnette is his dedication and patience. As a first-year, Barnette hadn’t received any playing time. Instead of growing discouraged, he continued to work hard both on and off the court to get to the level where he is today.
“It’s an easy story to talk about, but a much harder one to execute. He is so dedicated to making himself the best individual player he can for the betterment of the team,” DeGrood commented. To DeGrood, Barnette being named an All-American is a great accomplishment for the program as a whole.
“The really cool thing about our program is that our guys don’t really care what name is in the headline. They just want to be super competitive as a group and whatever it takes for us to give ourselves the best chance to win,” DeGrood said.
Also joining the coaching staff this year is Coleman Sweeney ‘17, who is a former captain of the Gustavus basketball team. Before returning to Gustavus, he was the girl’s basketball Assistant Coach at South St. Paul High School.
“I’m really excited to rejoin the program and contribute to the team by being a coach after being a player on the team. It’s really fulfilling for me to come back and hopefully help with the success,” Sweeney remarked.
DeGrood is excited to see this year’s team on the court, or as he worded it, “the flavor” this group will bring. As some players leave, graduate, and join, every year offers something new, making each season different than the one before. He is especially excited for the seniors who will be playing their final games as a Gustie. DeGrood acknowledged that all of the players have worked hard to be in the position they are in, both individually, and as a team.
“All things worthwhile are competitive,” DeGrood stated.
After starting to consistently practice in early October, this Friday, the Gusties travel to St. Louis for the WashU Tournament. Their first home game will be on Nov. 24th against Buena Vista.