RJ Barrett

{{Infobox basketball biography

| name = RJ Barrett

| image = 2023-08-09 Deutschland gegen Kanada (Basketball-Länderspiel) by Sandro Halank–063.jpg

| image_size = 250px

| caption = Barrett with Canada in 2023

| position = Shooting guard / small forward

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 6

| weight_lb = 214

| league = NBA

| team = Toronto Raptors

| number = 9

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2000|6|14}}

| birth_place = Toronto, Ontario, Canada

| high_school =

| college = Duke (2018–2019)

| draft_year = 2019

| draft_round = 1

| draft_pick = 3

| draft_team = New York Knicks

| career_start = 2019

| years1 = {{nbay|2019|start}}–{{nbay|2023|start}}

| team1 = New York Knicks

| years2 = {{nbay|2023|start}}–present

| team2 = Toronto Raptors

| highlights =

Consensus first-team All-American (2019)
Jerry West Award (2019)
First-team All-ACC (2019)
ACC All-Freshman team (2019)
National high school player of the year (2018)
McDonald's All-American (2018)
FIBA U19 World Cup MVP (2017)

| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's basketball}}

{{MedalCountry|{{bk|CAN}}}}

}}

Rowan Alexander "RJ" Barrett Jr. (born June 14, 2000) is a Canadian professional basketball player for the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was selected third overall in the 2019 NBA draft by the New York Knicks after one year of college basketball with the Duke Blue Devils.

Born in Toronto as the son of former basketball player Rowan Barrett, Barrett shone at St. Marcellinus Secondary School in Mississauga, Ontario, before transferring to Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida. He was a five-star recruit and the consensus top recruit in the 2018 class, earning Naismith Prep Player of the Year and Gatorade National Player of the Year accolades in his final high school season whilst playing as a shooting guard a majority of the season. He was ranked the top player in his class by all recruiting services and was the first player since LeBron James to sweep all major awards in high school and win the national championship.

With the Canadian national under-19 team, Barrett was named MVP at the 2017 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup after leading his team to a gold medal. He debuted for the senior team during qualification for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

Early life and career

Barrett was born in Toronto, Ontario, to Kesha Duhaney and former professional basketball player Rowan Barrett.{{cite web |title=RJ Barrett Bio |url=http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=211767532&DB_OEM_ID=4200&Q_SEASON=2018 |publisher=Duke Athletics |access-date=January 4, 2018}} Early in his childhood, he developed an interest in basketball and played with a mini-hoop in his playroom in France, where his father was playing professional basketball at the time.{{cite web |last1=Grange |first1=Michael |title=Poster Boy: Rowan Barrett Jr. Rising |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/poster-boy-rowan-barrett-jr-rising/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=January 5, 2019 |date=August 17, 2015}} In the 2005–06 season, he started playing organized basketball in the youth set-up of JDA Dijon Basket.{{Cite web |date=August 24, 2023 |title=[Rétro] Quand R.J. Barrett, la star canadienne, jouait en mini-poussins en France |url=https://www.bebasket.fr/rj-barrett-france/ |access-date=August 26, 2023 |website=BeBasket |language=fr}} While living in France, Barrett attended a French school but was taught English by his mother.{{cite web |last1=Davis |first1=Seth |title=Canada rising: R.J. Barrett's college announcement will move him one step closer to conquering the world |url=https://theathletic.com/149076/2017/11/08/canada-rising-r-j-barretts-college-announcement-will-move-him-one-step-closer-to-conquering-the-world/ |publisher=The Athletic |access-date=January 7, 2019 |date=November 8, 2017}} He lived in a number of countries due to his father's career and shootaround after games and practices. Barrett additionally played basketball with players his age through the clubs his father was a part of.{{cite web |last1=Salvian |first1=Haley |title=Like father, like son: R.J. and Rowan Barrett |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/rj-rowan-barrett-father-son-dynamic-1.4649826 |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=January 6, 2019 |date=May 6, 2018}}

His family settled in Mississauga, Ontario in 2008, when his father left professional basketball. While growing up, he was also involved in football, 100 metres sprinting, and the high jump.{{cite news |last1=Ewing |first1=Lori |title=Canadian basketball star R.J. Barrett to jump a year ahead to join Class of 2018 |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/basketball/canadian-basketball-star-rj-barrett-to-jump-a-year-ahead-to-join-class-of-2018/article35843179/ |website=The Globe and Mail |access-date=January 5, 2019 |date=July 31, 2017}} At age 12, after struggling in a basketball game and coming home crying, Barrett began focusing on basketball instead of football to avoid missing tournaments. At that age, he told his father that he wanted to be an NBA All-Star and make the Basketball Hall of Fame. He sometimes trained with Steve Nash, his godfather and father's friend.{{cite web |last1=Medcalf |first1=Myron |title=RJ Barrett inherited a Canada that Vince Carter built |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/25707107/how-vince-carter-paved-way-rj-barrett |publisher=ESPN |access-date=January 9, 2019 |date=January 8, 2019}}

Barrett, under the guidance of his father, emerged as one of the best under-12 players in Ontario. He attended Horizon Jeunesse in Clarkson, Mississauga, leading his school team to a city title for Mississauga French elementary schools, where he was named most valuable player (MVP) despite facing older opponents. Barrett also played for the Regional Elite Development Academy (REDA) under-12 program on the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) circuit, facing many teams from the United States.{{cite web |last1=Colpitts |first1=Iain |title=Like father, like son |url=https://www.mississauga.com/community-story/3119703-like-father-like-son/ |website=The Mississauga News |access-date=January 5, 2019 |date=August 29, 2011}} When he was 12, he was identified by the Ontario Basketball Association as one of the best players in his age group, and he consequently trained with the Canada Basketball junior academy, through which he competed for the Ontario provincial team. By age 15, Barrett was generally playing the point guard position. On August 3, 2014, he scored 37 points and grabbed seven rebounds in a 93–53 win over Quebec at an under-15 provincial tournament.{{cite web |last1=Sbiet |first1=Tariq |title=Team Ontario 15s Prove Dominance, Rowan Barrett Jr Explodes for 37 |url=http://northpolehoops.com/2014/08/03/team-ontario-15s-prove-dominance-rowan-barrett-jr-explodes-for-37/ |publisher=North Pole Hoops |access-date=January 5, 2019 |date=August 3, 2014}} Through grades seven and eight, Barrett attended École Secondaire Jeunes Sans Frontières, a French language school in Brampton.{{cite web |last1=Vallière |first1=Kim |title=R.J. Barrett, possible premier choix de la NBa et francophone |url=http://www.sympatico.ca/actualites/nouvelles/regions/ottawa-gatineau/r-j-barrett-possible-premier-choix-de-la-nba-et-francophone-1.3978124 |access-date=January 6, 2019 |language=fr |date=July 2, 2018}}

High school career

=St. Marcellinus (2014–2015)=

{{quote box

|quote="While we don't often give praise in the early stages of a player's career (ninth grade), Rowan Barrett Jr (2019 6'4 wing) is proving to be the exception—a cold blooded killer, still out for blood. Special."

|source= — Elias Sbiet, analyst for recruiting website North Pole Hoops, on Barrett in 2014.

|width=25em

|align=right}}

Barrett began high school at St. Marcellinus Secondary School in Mississauga, whilst competing for the Brampton Warriors AAU team through the REDA.{{cite web |last1=Acquisto |first1=Stella |title=Canada's next great hoops star has championship pedigree |url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2015/09/21/canadas-next-great-hoops-star-comes-has-championship-pedigree/ |publisher=CityNews |access-date=January 9, 2019 |date=September 21, 2015}} After his 27-point effort for St. Marcellinus against Bill Crothers Secondary School on October 9, 2014, Canadian recruiting website North Pole Hoops labeled him "special" despite only being in his first year.{{cite web |last1=Sbiet |first1=Elias |title=Rowan Barrett Jr Proving To Be Special |url=http://northpolehoops.com/2014/10/09/rowan-barrett-jr-proving-to-be-special/ |publisher=North Pole Hoops |access-date=January 9, 2019 |date=October 9, 2014 }}{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

In February 2015, he was named MVP of the Guy Vetrie Memorial tournament after scoring 41 points and a making the game-winner for REDA in a 74–72 win over BTB Academy.{{cite web |last1=Coccimiglio |first1=Brad |title=Senior final goes down to the wire at Guy Vetrie Memorial |url=https://www.sootoday.com/local-sports/senior-final-goes-down-to-the-wire-at-guy-vetrie-memorial-5-photos-178602 |website=Soo Today |access-date=January 9, 2019 |date=February 8, 2015}} In April, Barrett was invited to the Region of Peel Secondary Schools Athletic Association (ROPSSAA) all-star game.{{cite web |last1=Colpitts |first1=Iain |title=Local players selected for Peel All-Star Game |url=https://www.mississauga.com/community-story/5538073-local-players-selected-for-peel-all-star-game/ |website=The Mississauga News |access-date=January 9, 2019 |date=April 2, 2015}} At the game, he was recognized as the best prospect in the ROPSSAA.{{cite web |last1=Juzenas |first1=Frank |title=Buzzer-beater wins all-star game |url=https://www.bramptonguardian.com/community-story/5562153-buzzer-beater-wins-all-star-game/ |website=Brampton Guardian |date=April 16, 2015 |access-date=January 9, 2019}} In the same month, Barrett scored a game-high 25 points in the Futures Game at the BioSteel All-Canadian Basketball Game, which featured top grade 9 and 10 players across Canada.{{cite web |title=Murray, Poyser MVPs of BioSteel All-Canadian game |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/murray-poyser-mvps-of-biosteel-all-canadian-game/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=January 9, 2019 |date=April 14, 2015}}{{cite web |last1=Colpitts |first1=Iain |title=Poyser, Barrett shine in Biosteel All Canadian showcase |url=https://www.mississauga.com/community-story/5559887-poyser-barrett-shine-in-biosteel-all-canadian-showcase/ |website=The Mississauga News |access-date=January 9, 2019 |date=April 15, 2015}}

=Montverde Academy (2015–2018)=

==Freshman year (2015–16)==

In September 2015, one week after touring top prep schools in the United States, Barrett announced that he would leave St. Marcellinus.{{cite web |last1=Ebanks |first1=Drew |title=St. Marcellinus Spirit not joining newly formed OSBA |url=https://onpointbasketball.com/st-marcellinus-spirit-not-joining-newly-formed-osba/ |publisher=On Point Basketball |access-date=January 9, 2019 |date=September 21, 2015}} Later in the month, he transferred to Montverde Academy, a school in Montverde, Florida, with a decorated basketball program.{{cite web |last1=Okrainetz |first1=Chris |title=Canada's Top Prospect Rowan Barrett Jr. Heading to Montverde Academy |url=https://tipofthetower.com/2015/09/23/canadas-top-prospect-rowan-barrett-jr-heading-to-montverde-academy/ |publisher=Tip of the Tower |access-date=January 9, 2019 |date=September 23, 2015}} Barrett made the decision in order to "take his game to another level" but described the transition as "rough".{{cite web |last1=Gardenour |first1=Jeff |title=Soph sensation R.J. Barrett leads Montverde |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/highschool/boys-basketball/os-hs-sp-rj-barrett-montverde-0126-story.html |website=Orlando Sentinel |access-date=January 9, 2019 |date=January 25, 2017}} On December 7, he chipped in a team-high 18 points in a nationally televised game versus Huntington Prep School.{{cite web |last1=DelGallo |first1=Alicia |title=Montverde shows off with win for ESPN |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/highschool/os-hs-huntington-montverde-boys-basketball-1208y-content-1208-20151207-story.html |website=Orlando Sentinel |access-date=January 9, 2019 |date=December 7, 2015}} Barrett erupted for 31 points on December 21, in a loss to Chino Hills High School at the City of Palms Classic quarterfinal.{{cite web |last1=Halley |first1=Jim |title=No. 2 Chino Hills edges No. 1 Montverde in City of Palms quarterfinal |url=https://usatodayhss.com/2015/no-2-chino-hills-edges-no-1-montverde-in-city-of-palms-quarterfinal |publisher=USA Today High School Sports |access-date=January 9, 2019 |date=December 21, 2015}} On April 15, 2016, he tallied 22 points and eight rebounds at the 2016 Jordan Brand Classic International Game, earning game MVP honors.{{cite web |last1=Halley |first1=Jim |title=Nigerian Charles Bassey makes up for late start, lifts Black team in International game at Jordan Classic |url=https://usatodayhss.com/2016/charles-bassey-r-j-barrett-montverde-academy-st-anthony-jordan-brand-classic |publisher=USA Today High School Sports |access-date=January 9, 2019 |date=April 15, 2016}} At the end of the season, after leading Montverde Academy in scoring, Barrett was named to the MaxPreps Freshman All-American First Team.{{cite web |last1=Hickman |first1=Jason |title=2015–16 MaxPreps Boys Basketball Freshman All-American Team |url=http://www.maxpreps.com/news/VBO3zMrQQUSqQAWAQvODAA/2015-16-maxpreps-boys-basketball-freshman-all-american-team.htm |website=MaxPreps |access-date=January 9, 2019 |date=April 21, 2016}}

==Sophomore year (2016–17)==

{{quote box

|quote= "I love the kid. I think he's really, really talented. He can handle the ball, can get to the basketball at will; he's tough, he's competitive ... he can go both ways, offensively. Defensively he's not afraid to guard the best player on the other team. As a coach you can't ask for much more, which is why he's the camp MVP."

|source= — Fred Vinson on Barrett after coaching him at Basketball Without Borders in 2017

|width=25em

|align=right}}

Entering 2016–17, Barrett's sophomore season for Montverde, he was among 20 players named to the USA Today High School Sports All-USA Preseason Team.{{cite web |last1=Halley |first1=Jim |title=2016–17 American Family Insurance ALL-USA Preseason Boys Basketball Team |url=https://usatodayhss.com/2016/2016-17-american-family-insurance-all-usa-preseason-boys-basketball-team#slideIdslide-2 |publisher=USA Today High School Sports |access-date=January 10, 2019 |date=October 20, 2016}} In November 2016, he was named to the Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award watch list.{{cite web |title=Naismith Trophy High School Boys All-America team announced |url=https://usatodayhss.com/2017/naismith-trophy-high-school-boys-all-america-team-announced |publisher=USA Today High School Sports |access-date=January 10, 2019 |date=March 8, 2017}} In December, Barrett led Montverde to a City of Palms Classic title, scoring a team-best 15 points in the finals against Memphis East High School, and received tournament MVP honors.{{cite web |last1=Halley |first1=Jim |title=No. 4 Montverde Academy wins its third City of Palms title |url=https://usatodayhss.com/2016/no-4-montverde-academy-wins-its-third-city-of-palms-title |publisher=USA Today High School Sports |access-date=January 10, 2019 |date=December 21, 2016}} He recorded 21 points on January 16, 2017, in a 73–67 win over Bishop Montgomery High School, to help his team win the Spalding Hoophall Classic.{{cite web |title=Montverde Academy holds off Bishop Montgomery for win at Spalding Hoophall Classic |url=http://www.maxpreps.com/news/vU_p0VW18keCNGRcLBMCIA/montverde-academy-holds-off-bishop-montgomery-for-win-at-spalding-hoophall-classic.htm |publisher=MaxPreps |access-date=January 10, 2019 |date=January 16, 2017}} In February, Barrett garnered MVP accolades at Basketball Without Borders, a three-day camp during NBA All-Star Weekend.{{cite web |last1=Grange |first1=Michael |title=Rowan Barrett Jr. among several Canadians with all-star potential |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/rowan-barrett-jr-among-several-canadians-star-potential/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=January 10, 2019 |date=February 19, 2017}} He joined the World Select Team at the 2017 Nike Hoop Summit in April, posting nine points and two steals in 20 minutes.{{cite web |title=Nike Hoop Summit Box Scores |url=https://www.usab.com/mens/nike-hoop-summit/stats.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726041200/http://www.usab.com/mens/nike-hoop-summit/stats.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 26, 2014 |publisher=USA Basketball |access-date=January 10, 2019}}{{cite web |title=World Select Team Announced For 2017 Nike Hoop Summit |url=https://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2017/03/world-team-announced.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703053712/https://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2017/03/world-team-announced.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 3, 2017 |publisher=USA Basketball |access-date=January 10, 2019 |date=March 15, 2017}} Barrett finished the season averaging 22 points and 7 rebounds per game in high school, being tabbed National Sophomore of the Year by MaxPreps and making the Naismith All-American Third Team.{{cite web |title=2016–17 MaxPreps Boys Basketball Sophomore All-American Team |url=http://www.maxpreps.com/news/MsrjHfTvwUaObsbpYQ-lYg/2016-17-maxpreps-boys-basketball-sophomore-all-american-team.htm |publisher=MaxPreps |access-date=January 10, 2019 |date=April 13, 2017}}{{cite web |title=Naismith High School Boys' All-American Team Announced |url=http://naismithtrophy.com/naismith-high-school-boys-all-american-team-announced/ |publisher=Naismith Trophy |access-date=January 10, 2019 |date=March 8, 2017}}

==Junior year (2017–18)==

On July 31, 2017, Barrett reclassified to the 2018 class because he believed he was "ready to move up and to be in college a year earlier."{{cite news |last1=Weinstein |first1=Josh |title='I'm right on track': Canada's R.J. Barrett reclassifies for 2019 NBA draft |url=https://torontosun.com/2017/07/31/im-right-on-track-canadas-rj-barrett-reclassifies-for-2019-nba-draft/wcm/30cf54c8-6fba-4379-8a79-7ead70f9ecdb |newspaper=Toronto Sun |access-date=January 12, 2019 |date=July 31, 2017}} Entering the 2017–18 season, he was named to the USA Today High School Sports All-USA Preseason Team.{{cite web |last1=Halley |first1=Jim |title=2017–18 American Family Insurance ALL-USA Preseason Boys Basketball Team |url=https://uasatodayhss.com/2017/2017-18-american-family-insurance-all-usa-preseason-boys-basketball-team |publisher=USA Today High School Sports |access-date=January 13, 2019 |date=November 27, 2017}} In his season opener on November 28, 2017, Barrett led Montverde, ranked the No. 1 team in the nation by MaxPreps, with 29 points in a 97–55 win over The Rock School.{{cite web |last1=Stover |first1=Tyler |title=Montverde pounds The Rock |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/highschool/boys-basketball/os-sp-hs-montverde-basketball-1129-story.html |website=Orlando Sentinel |access-date=January 13, 2019 |date=November 28, 2017}} On January 11, 2018, in a nationally televised match-up with Orlando Christian Prep, he scored 24 points.{{cite web |last1=Fay |first1=Max |title=R.J. Barrett and Nassir Little show off on big stage |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/highschool/boys-basketball/os-sp-hs-montverde-ocp-basketball-1112-story.html |website=Orlando Sentinel |access-date=January 13, 2019 |date=January 11, 2018}} Barrett posted 22 points and 10 rebounds on January 15 to defeat Mater Dei High School at the Spalding Hoophall Classic.{{cite web |last1=Halley |first1=Jim |title=No. 1 Montverde Academy coasts past Mater Dei |url=https://usatodayhss.com/2018/no-1-montverde-academy-coasts-past-mater-dei-hoophall-classic-rj-barrett |publisher=USA Today High School Sports |access-date=January 13, 2019 |date=January 15, 2018}} On March 23, he played in the Signature All-Canadian Showcase, which featured 24 top Canadian prospects.{{cite web |title=RJ Barrett Headlines Inaugural Signature All Canadian Showcase, NBA Certified Event |url=http://northpolehoops.com/2018/03/23/mississauga-hosts-inaugural-signature-canadian-showcase/ |publisher=North Pole Hoops |access-date=January 13, 2019 |date=March 23, 2018 |archive-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305145015/http://northpolehoops.com/2018/03/23/mississauga-hosts-inaugural-signature-canadian-showcase/ |url-status=dead }} Later in the month, Barrett took part in the 2018 McDonald's All-American Boys Game, where he scored 26 points.{{cite web |last1=Daniels |first1=Evan |title=McDonald's Recap: Nassir Little, R.J. Barrett steal the show |url=https://247sports.com/college/basketball/recruiting/Article/McDonalds-Recap-Nassir-Little-RJ-Barrett-steal-the-show--116802320/ |publisher=247Sports |access-date=January 13, 2019 |date=March 28, 2018}}

In March 2018, Barrett was awarded the prestigious Morgan Wooten National Player of the Year award for "displaying outstanding character, showing leadership and embodying the values of a student athlete".{{Cite news|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/mcdonald-american-games-announces-2018-130000092.html|title=McDonald's All American Games Announces The 2018 Morgan Wootten Player Of The Year Award Winners|access-date=April 4, 2018}} One of the ways Barrett exhibited these attributes was by being involved in the Basketball Buddies Program of Montverde Academy, where he was in charge of mentoring young basketball athletes with their basketball skills, as well as advising them on how to manage their academics.{{Cite news|url=http://www.slamonline.com/college-hs/high-school/rj-barrett-named-2018-morgan-wootten-player-year/|title=RJ Barrett Named 2018 Morgan Wootten Player Of The Year|date=March 13, 2018|work=SLAMonline|access-date=April 4, 2018}}

In the 2017–18 season, he led the undefeated Montverde team to the Geico National boys’ basketball championship, recording 25 points and 15 rebounds in the championship game.{{Cite news|url=http://www.maxpreps.com/news/faVAispzyU-y2nf0VRAwbA/rj-barrett,-montverde-academy-add-cherry-on-top-with-geico-nationals-crown.htm|title=R.J. Barrett, Montverde Academy add 'cherry on top' with GEICO Nationals crown – MaxPreps|date=March 31, 2018|work=MaxPreps.com|access-date=April 19, 2018}}

Barrett scored a game-high 20 points to go along with nine rebounds, six assists and five steals at the 2018 Nike Hoop Summit and was named MVP.{{Cite web|url=http://www.basketball.ca/ltad-s15158/news-article/world-select-team-defeats-usa-89-76-at-2018-nike-hoop-summit|title=Canada Basketball|website=basketball.ca|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416081743/http://www.basketball.ca/ltad-s15158/news-article/world-select-team-defeats-usa-89-76-at-2018-nike-hoop-summit|url-status=dead}}

=Recruiting=

File:RJ Barrett (cropped) 2.jpg|alt=]]

While attending St. Marcellinus Secondary School, Barrett was tabbed as the top Canadian prospect in the 2019 class.{{cite web |last1=Hickman |first1=Jason |title=MaxPreps 2015–16 High School Basketball Early Contenders |url=http://www.maxpreps.com/news/xNnLTtfQPEmCmcV8KyyTmQ/maxpreps-2015-16-high-school-basketball-early-contenders,-presented-by-dicks-sporting-goods-and-under-armour--montverde-academy.htm |publisher=MaxPreps |access-date=January 9, 2019 |date=November 10, 2015}} Barrett was rated as a five-star recruit and ranked the No.1 overall recruit in the class of 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/217370/rj-barrett|title=RJ Barrett – Basketball Recruiting – Player Profiles|date=January 22, 2018|publisher=ESPN|access-date=January 22, 2018}}{{Cite web|url=https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2018/r-j-barrett-840|title=RJ Barrett, 2018 Small forward – Rivals.com|date=January 22, 2018|website=n.rivals.com|access-date=January 22, 2018}}

He received scholarship offers from several major universities including Arizona, Duke, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, UCLA, and USC, according to ESPN. Speaking to nbadraft.net in April 2017, Roy Rana, who coached Barrett at the 2017 FIBA Under-19 World Cup and at the Nike Hoop Summit, was quoted as saying about Barrett: "A star. A potential superstar down the road."{{Cite web|url=http://www.nbadraft.net/2017-nike-hoop-summit-world-team-recap|title=2017 Nike Hoop Summit: World Team Recap {{!}} NBADraft.net|website=www.nbadraft.net|date=April 14, 2017|access-date=July 12, 2017}}

On August 16, 2017, Barrett narrowed down to five schools: Duke, Arizona, Oregon, Kentucky, and Michigan.{{Cite news|url=https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2017/8/16/16159478/rj-barrett-recruiting-duke-kentucky-arizona-michigan-oregon|title=New No. 1 recruit R.J. Barrett announces list of 5 finalists|work=SBNation.com|access-date=August 17, 2017}} On November 10, 2017, he announced that he would be attending Duke for the 2018–2019 season.{{Cite news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/canada-s-top-ranked-prospect-barrett-chooses-duke-1.912267|title=Canada's top-ranked prospect Barrett chooses Duke – Article – TSN|date=November 10, 2017|work=TSN|access-date=November 11, 2017}} Commenting on his decision, he said: "It feels like home. And obviously they have a great coach ... I love Coach K. I've been watching Duke since I was really young."{{Cite news|url=https://www.dukebasketballreport.com/2017/11/11/16636604/duke-recruiting-rj-barrett-will-be-a-blue-devil-basketball|title=Duke Recruiting RJ Barrett Will Be A Blue Devil|work=Duke Basketball Report|access-date=November 11, 2017}}

{{College athlete recruit entry

| recruit = RJ Barrett

| position = SF

| hometown = Mississauga, Ontario

| highschool = Montverde Academy (FL)

| feet = 6

| inches = 7

| weight = 200

| 40 =

| commitdate = November 10, 2017

| scout stars =

| rivals stars = 5

| 247 stars = 5

| espn stars = 5

| espn grade = 96

}}

{{College athlete recruit end

| 40 =

| year = 2018

| rivals ref title = Duke 2018 Basketball Commitments

| scout ref title =

| espn ref title = 2018 Duke Blue Devils Recruiting Class

| rivals school = duke

| 247 school =

| scout s =

| espn schoolid = 150

| scout overall =

| rivals overall = 1

| 247 overall = 1

| espn overall = 1

| accessdate = June 30, 2018

| bball = yes

}}

College career

File:RJ Barrett - Keenan Hairston (cropped).jpg in 2018]]

On November 6, in his first regular season game, he posted 33 points and six assists against second-ranked Kentucky at the Champions Classic, breaking the Duke freshman scoring record in a debut.{{cite web |title=Canada's R.J. Barrett breaks Duke record in sizzling college debut |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/rj-barrett-duke-record-1.4895210 |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=January 12, 2019 |date=November 7, 2018}} On December 3, 2018, Barrett was named Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) rookie of the week.{{Cite web|url=https://theacc.com/news/2018/12/3/mens-basketball-acc-announces-basketball-players-of-the-week.aspx|title=ACC Announces Basketball Players of the Week|date=December 3, 2018|publisher=Atlantic Coast Conference|access-date=December 3, 2018}} Barrett tallied his first double-double on December 5, with 27 points and 15 rebounds versus Hartford.{{cite web |last1=McCreary |first1=Joedy |title=RJ Barrett leads No. 3 Duke past Hartford, 84–54 |url=https://www.courant.com/sports/college/hc-sp-hartford-duke-20181206-story.html |website=Hartford Courant |access-date=January 12, 2019 |date=December 6, 2018}} On December 10, 2018, Barrett earned ACC player and freshman of the week honors for the second time.{{Cite web|url=https://theacc.com/news/2018/12/10/acc-announces-mens-basketball-weekly-honors.aspx|title=Barrett Sweeps Men's Basketball Weekly Honors|date=December 10, 2018|publisher=Atlantic Coast Conference|access-date=December 10, 2018}} On January 28, 2019, Barrett earned his third ACC freshman of the week honor.{{Cite web|url=https://theacc.com/news/2019/1/28/mens-basketball-robinson-barrett-white-earn-acc-weekly-honors.aspx|title=Robinson, Barrett, White Earn MBB Weekly Honors|date=January 28, 2019|publisher=Atlantic Coast Conference|access-date=January 28, 2019}} On February 9, Barrett scored 26 points in an 81–71 victory against Virginia.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401082686|title=Barrett, 3s lead No.2 Duke past No.3 Virginia|date=February 9, 2019|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|access-date=February 9, 2019}} On February 17, Barrett recorded 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 94–78 win over North Carolina State.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/26014002/rj-barrett-triple-double-propels-no-2-duke-nc-state|title = Barrett notches 4th triple-double in Duke history|date = February 17, 2019}} It was the fourth time in Duke history (second time under Mike Krzyzewski's tenure as head coach) where a player recorded a triple-double for the team.{{Cite web|url=https://247sports.com/Article/RJ-Barrett-Duke-Blue-Devils-basketball-triple-double-129210254/|title=RJ Barrett joins unique Duke company with triple double}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/rj-barrett-records-the-4th-triple-double-in-dukes-history-news.72206.html|title=R.J. Barrett Records 4th Triple-Double in Duke's History|website=HNHH|date=February 17, 2019 }} On February 25, 2019, Barrett was again named ACC freshman of the week for the fourth consecutive time.{{Cite web|url=https://theacc.com/news/2019/2/25/mens-basketball-uncs-maye-dukes-barrett-honored.aspx|title=UNC's Maye, Duke's Barrett Earn Weekly Awards|date=February 25, 2019|publisher=Atlantic Coast Conference|access-date=February 25, 2019}} At the end of Duke's regular season, Barrett was named a member of both the Sporting News' All-American First Team, ACC All-Freshman team and the All-ACC First Team alongside his teammate Zion Williamson.{{Cite web|url=https://theacc.com/news/2019/3/10/acc-announces-2019-mens-basketball-award-winners.aspx|title=2019 Men's Basketball Award Winners Announced|date=March 11, 2019|website=TheACC.com|publisher=Atlantic Coast Conference|access-date=April 2, 2020}} Barrett was named USA Today's Player of the Year.{{cite web |last1=Gleeson |first1=Scott |title=USA TODAY Sports college basketball 2018–19 All-America team, player and coach of the year |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2019/03/19/college-basketball-all-america-player-coach-march-madness/3207679002/ |website=USA Today |access-date=June 27, 2021 |date=March 19, 2019}}

On March 22, Barrett led the team in both points and rebounds with 26 points and 14 rebounds in an 85–62 win over no. 16 North Dakota State in the NCAA Tournament.{{cite web |title=Top-Seeded Duke Beats NDSU, 85–62, in NCAA Opener |url=https://goduke.com/news/2019/3/22/211796767.aspx |website=goduke.com |date=March 22, 2019 |access-date=July 1, 2021}} He saw action in a total of 38 games (starting all 38) as a freshman, averaging 22.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists a contest.{{Cite web|url=http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=210461052&DB_OEM_ID=4200|title=Stats (PDF): Duke Combined Team Statistics (as of Mar 31, 2019)|website=goduke.com|date=November 2017 |access-date=April 22, 2019}}

Following Duke's loss in the 2019 NCAA men's basketball tournament, Barrett announced his intention to forgo his final three seasons of collegiate eligibility and declare for the 2019 NBA draft.{{Cite news|url=http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22724&SPID=1845&DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=211799193|title=RJ Barrett Declares for 2019 NBA Draft|work=goduke.com|access-date=April 10, 2019}}

Professional career

=New York Knicks (2019–2023)=

==2019–20 season==

On June 20, 2019, the New York Knicks drafted Barrett with the third overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft with the nickname "Maple Mamba" because of his playstyle resemblance to Kobe Bryant.{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tommybeer/2019/06/20/new-york-knicks-select-rj-barrett-with-the-third-overall-pick-in-the-2019-nba-draft/|title=New York Knicks Select RJ Barrett With the Third Overall Pick In the 2019 NBA Draft|work=Forbes|access-date=June 20, 2019}} On July 3, Barrett officially signed with the Knicks.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/knicks/front-office-news/new-york-knicks-sign-rj-barrett|title=New York Knicks Sign RJ Barrett|publisher=National Basketball Association|access-date=July 3, 2019}} On October 23, 2019, Barrett made his debut in the NBA, starting in a 111–120 loss to the San Antonio Spurs with 21 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401160632|title=Spurs rally to top Knicks, 120–111, spoiling Barrett's debut|date=October 23, 2019|publisher=ESPN|access-date=October 23, 2019}} On December 17, Barrett scored a then career-high 27 points with six rebounds, an assist and a steal in a 143–120 win over the Atlanta Hawks.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401161045|title=Barrett scores 27 as Knicks send Hawks to 5th straight loss|date=December 17, 2019|publisher=ESPN|access-date=December 17, 2019}} Barrett came down with a sprained ankle in a game against the Phoenix Suns on January 16, 2020.{{cite news |title=Knicks' RJ Barrett out after spraining ankle vs. Suns |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28499159/knicks-rj-barrett-spraining-ankle-vs-suns |access-date=January 17, 2020 |publisher=ESPN |date=January 16, 2020}} On March 2, Barrett tied his career-high 27 points by hitting a clutch layup before the game ended. He also had five rebounds, five assists and one steal in the 125–123 victory over the Houston Rockets.{{cite news|title=R.J. Barrett hit a clutch layup to seal Knicks' win over Rockets|url=https://therookiewire.usatoday.com/2020/03/02/rj-barrett-clutch-layup-victory-houston-rockets-video/|access-date=March 3, 2020|work=USA Today|date=March 2, 2020}}

File:RJ Barrett Knicks (cropped).jpg

Barrett finished his rookie season averaging 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.0 steals in 30.4 minutes. He appeared in 56 games, starting in 55.{{cite web |title=RJ Barrett stats, details, videos, and news |url=https://www.nba.com/stats/player/1629628/ |publisher=National Basketball Association |access-date=January 24, 2021}} He was controversially left out of an NBA All-Rookie Team after the premature end of the regular season.{{cite web |title=Ja Morant, Zion Williamson headline NBA's All-Rookie First Team |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29893647/ja-morant-zion-williamson-headline-nba-all-rookie-first-team |publisher=ESPN |date=September 15, 2020 |access-date=January 24, 2021}}

==2020–21 season==

On December 21, 2020, the Knicks announced that they exercised their third-year option on Barrett.{{cite tweet |user=NY_KnicksPR |number=1341148202192560135 |date=December 21, 2020 |title=New York Knicks announced today that the team has exercised its third-year contract option on guard/forward RJ Barrett and its fourth-year contract option on forward Kevin Knox II}} On January 21, Barrett scored a then career-high 28 points, along with five assists and two rebounds, in a 119–104 win over the Golden State Warriors.{{Cite web|agency=The Canadian Press|date=January 22, 2021|title=RJ Barrett scores career-high, New York Knicks beat Warriors for third straight win – The Sports Network|url=https://www.tsn.ca/barrett-scores-28-knicks-beat-warriors-for-3rd-straight-win-1.1581065|access-date=January 22, 2021|website=TSN}}{{Cite web|last=Villanueva|first=Virgil|date=January 22, 2021|title=RJ Barrett's Monster Night Carries Knicks To 8–8, Tom Thibodeau Reacts|url=https://clutchpoints.com/knicks-news-rj-barrett-monster-night-carries-new-york-to-8-8-record-tom-thibodeau-reacts/|access-date=January 22, 2021|website=ClutchPoints}} On March 13, Barrett scored a then career-high 32 points, along with five rebounds and three assists, in a 119–97 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.{{Cite web|title=RJ Barrett scores career-high 32 in win|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/rj-barrett-scores-career-high-054157408.html|access-date=March 17, 2021|publisher=Yahoo! Sport|archive-date=March 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316051209/https://sports.yahoo.com/rj-barrett-scores-career-high-054157408.html|url-status=dead}} Barrett made significant strides in his second year, finishing with 17.6 points per game, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. Barrett also made big improvements in his shooting, finishing the season shooting 40.1 percent from the three-point line, and 74.6 percent from the free throw line. Barrett started in all 72 games during the season, which was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, playing 34.9 minutes per game. The Knicks made the playoffs for the first time in eight years securing home court advantage in the first round. The Knicks ultimately lost 4–1 in the first round to the Atlanta Hawks.{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2021/06/02/knicks-season-ends-with-blowout-playoff-loss-to-hawks/|title=Knicks' season ends in blowout playoff loss to Hawks|last=Berman|first=Marc|website=New York Post|date=June 2, 2021|access-date=October 31, 2021}}

==2021–22 season==

On January 6, 2022, Barrett recorded 13 points and six assists and ended the night with a contested game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer, giving the Knicks a 108–105 victory over the Boston Celtics, on a night where New York trailed by as much as 25.{{cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/01/06/sports/knicks-rj-barrett-hits-buzzer-beater-celtics-collapse-again-second-half/|title=Knicks' RJ Barrett hits buzzer-beater as Celtics collapse in second half|website=The Boston Globe|date=January 6, 2022|access-date=January 6, 2022}} On January 10, against the San Antonio Spurs he scored 31 points, and on January 12 against the Dallas Mavericks. Barrett scored 32 points setting a franchise record becoming the youngest Knick to get consecutive games with at least 30 points at just 21 years old.{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Alexander |title=Knicks' RJ Barrett smashes franchise record with dominant play Vs Dallas |url=https://empiresportsmedia.com/new-york-knicks/knicks-rj-barrett-smashes-franchise-record-with-dominant-play-vs-dallas/ |website=Empire Sports Media |access-date=January 17, 2022 |date=January 13, 2022}} He also became the eighth NBA player to tally 2,000 points, 500 rebounds and 300 assists by 21 years old, joining Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant and Luka Doncic.{{cite web |last1=Irving |first1=Kyle |title=RJ Barrett: Knicks forward joined elite group of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and others with milestone by 21 years old |url=https://ca.nba.com/news/rj-barrett-knicks-joins-elite-group-lebron-james-kobe-bryant/1a4gdej8pmpby1qe1mph23q8qr |website=NBA.com Canada |access-date=January 17, 2022 |date=January 15, 2022}} On February 6, he scored a then career-high 36 points, along with eight rebounds and five assists, in a 122–115 overtime loss against the Los Angeles Lakers.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/knicks-rj-barrett-career-high-36-points-in-loss/|title=Knicks' RJ Barrett: Career-high 36 points in loss|website=CBS Sports|publisher=Rotowire|date=February 6, 2022|access-date=February 8, 2022}} On February 25, Barrett scored a career-high 46 points in a 115–100 loss to the Miami Heat.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/heat-overcome-barretts-career-best-46-beat-knicks-115-100/|title=Heat overcome Barrett's career-best 46, beat Knicks 115–100|website=CBS Sports|agency=Associated Press|date=February 25, 2022|access-date=February 25, 2022}} He became the 7th player in NBA history to score 3400+ points, 1100+ rebounds and 550+ assist's before turning 22 years old joining Kevin Garnett, Tracy McGrady, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Luka Doncic.{{cite tweet |user=NBACanada |number=1513612647752687619 |author=NBA Canada |title=RJ Barrett 🇨🇦 is the 7th player in NBA history to score 3400+ PTS, 1100+ REB and 550+ AST before turning 22 years old! |date=April 11, 2022 |accessdate=May 11, 2022}}{{cite tweet |user=KnicksMuse |number=1513600374468489247 |title=NBA players with 3400+ Points, 1100+ Rebounds, and 550+ Assists before turning 22 years old • Kevin Garnett • Tracy McGrady • Carmelo Anthony • LeBron James • Kevin Durant • Luka Doncic • RJ Barrett|date=April 11, 2022 |accessdate=April 11, 2022}} He also became the youngest Knicks player to average 20 points per game for a season at 21 years old.{{cite web|url=https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask?q=youngest+knicks+player+to+average+20%2B+ppg+in+a+season |title=Youngest Knicks Player To Average 20+ Ppg In A Season |publisher=StatMuse |accessdate=May 8, 2022}}

==2022–23 season==

On September 1, 2022, Barrett re-signed with the Knicks on a four-year, $120M deal. He was the first player to agree to a multiyear extension after a rookie deal with the Knicks since Charlie Ward in 1999.{{Cite web |title=RJ Barrett signs contract extension with Knicks |url=https://www.nba.com/news/rj-barrett-finalizing-contract-extension-with-new-york-knicks |access-date=September 3, 2022 |publisher=National Basketball Association |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=August 30, 2022 |title=Barrett, Knicks close to deal as Mitchell talks fade |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34485302/rj-barrett-extension-new-york-knicks-worth-120-million-agent-says |access-date=September 3, 2022 |publisher=ESPN |language=en}}

=Toronto Raptors (2023–present)=

On December 30, 2023, the Knicks traded Barrett, along with Immanuel Quickley and a 2024 second-round draft pick, to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn.{{cite web|title=RAPTORS COMPLETE TRADE WITH NEW YORK|url=https://www.nba.com/raptors/news/raptors-complete-trade-with-new-york|website=NBA.com|date=December 30, 2023|access-date=December 30, 2023}} In his first game with his hometown Raptors on January 1, 2024, Barrett put up 19 points and nine rebounds on 50 percent shooting from the field goal in a 124–121 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.{{cite web|title= RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley combine to lead the new-look Toronto Raptors to a 124-121 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.|url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/sports/nba/cavaliers/rj-barrett-immanuel-quickley-toronto-raptors-124-121-win-over-cleveland-cavaliers/95-7961cdbd-815b-43bb-803e-ca14efc81e8b|website=wkyc.com|date=January 1, 2024|access-date=January 5, 2024}} It was reported by Zach Lowe of ESPN that some NBA insiders had labelled Barrett's contract "a toxic asset" following the trade.{{cite news |last1=Bachar |first1=Zach |title=Report: RJ Barrett's Contract Called 'Toxic Asset' by NBA Insiders After Knicks Trade |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10103244-report-rj-barretts-contract-called-toxic-asset-by-nba-insiders-after-knicks-trade |work=Bleacher Report |date=January 1, 2024 |language=en}} On January 7, 2024, Barrett scored a season-high 37 points on 13 of 20 shooting, along with 6 rebounds and 6 assists in a 133–118 win over the Golden State Warriors.{{cite web|title= RJ Barrett scores 37 and Steph Curry struggles from the field as Raptors beat the Warriors 133-118| url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2024/01/07/rj-barrett-scores-37-and-steph-curry-struggles-from-the-field-as-raptors-beat-the-warriors-133-118/72145762007/#|date=January 7, 2024|access-date=January 10, 2024|website=usatoday.com|language=en}}

On November 1, 2024, Barrett recorded a season-high 33 points and achieved a then career-high 12 assists in a 131–125 loss against the Los Angeles Lakers.{{cite web|title= Davis scores season-high 38, Lakers beat Raptors for first road win of season|url= https://www.tsn.ca/nba/anthony-davis-scores-season-high-38-los-angeles-lakers-beat-toronto-raptors-1.2199136|website=tsn.ca| date=November 1, 2024|access-date=November 2, 2024}} On November 16, Barrett achieved his first career triple-double with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and a career-high 15 assists in a 126–123 overtime loss to the Boston Celtics.{{cite web|last=Gammage|first=Kai|title=Raptors takeaways: Complete effort against Celtics ends in heartbreak|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/raptors-takeaways-complete-effort-against-celtics-ends-in-heartbreak/|website=sportsnet.ca|date=November 17, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/raptors-rj-barrett-logs-first-career-triple-double/|title=Raptors' RJ Barrett: Logs first career triple-double|website=CBS Sports|date=November 16, 2024|access-date=November 17, 2024}}

National team career

Barrett was the youngest player on Canada's under-16 national team that won silver at the 2015 FIBA Americas U16 Championship, in Argentina. Pouring in 14.6 points a contest, he led his team in scoring during the tournament.{{Cite web|url=http://www.fibaamericas.com/en/torneos_roster.asp?t=IECLYPFCDT&team=257&n=Canada&c=CAN|title=FIBA AMERICAS|website=fibaamericas.com|access-date=July 9, 2017|archive-date=January 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116100358/http://www.fibaamericas.com/en/torneos_roster.asp?t=IECLYPFCDT&team=257&n=Canada&c=CAN|url-status=dead}}

He averaged 18.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game at the 2016 FIBA U17 World Cup, in Spain, en route to eurobasket.com's All-World Cup U17 Second Team honours.{{Cite news|url=https://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/player/p/pid/121265/sid/12180/tid/257/_/2016_FIBA_U17_World_Championship/index.html|title=Rowan Barrett profile, FIBA U17 World Championship 2016 {{!}} FIBA.COM|work=FIBA.COM|access-date=July 9, 2017}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.eurobasket.com/World-Championships-U17/basketball_2016_Men.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012223416/http://www.eurobasket.com/World-Championships-U17/basketball_2016_Men.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 12, 2016|title=World Championships U17 Basketball, Teams, Scores, Stats, News, Standings |work=eurobasket.com|access-date=July 9, 2017}}

In July 2017, Barrett made headlines with a 38-point, 13-rebound, and five-assist showing as he guided Canada's under-19 squad to a 99–87 semifinal win over the US at the FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fiba.basketball/world/u19/2017/news/canada-slay-usa-dragon-to-reach-historic-final|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709025635/http://www.fiba.com/world/u19/2017/news/canada-slay-usa-dragon-to-reach-historic-final|url-status=live|archive-date=July 9, 2017|title=Canada slay USA dragon to reach historic Final|website=FIBA.basketball|date=July 8, 2017 |access-date=July 9, 2017}} At the time, Northpolehoops.com described this performance as Barrett's "biggest game of his career so far".{{Cite web|url=http://northpolehoops.com/2017/07/08/r-j-barrett-shakes-the-world-in-canadas-historic-win-over-usa/|title=R.J. Barrett shakes the world in Canada's historic win over USA|date=July 8, 2017|website=Northpolehoops.com|access-date=July 9, 2017}} He subsequently led Canada to the title, tallying game-highs of 18 points and 12 rebounds in the championship game against Italy, and was named to the tournament's All-Star Five and also the tournament Most Valuable Player.{{Cite news|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/canada-routs-italy-capture-gold-fiba-u19-basketball-world-cup/|title=Canada routs Italy to capture gold at FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup |work=Sportsnet.ca|access-date=July 9, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.fiba.basketball/world/u19/2017/news/barrett-named-mvp-after-winning-canada-s-first-u19-title|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713003239/http://www.fiba.com/world/u19/2017/news/barrett-named-mvp-after-winning-canada-s-first-u19-title|url-status=live|archive-date=July 13, 2017|title=Barrett named MVP after winning Canada's first U19 title|website=FIBA.basketball|date=July 9, 2017 |access-date=July 10, 2017}} Averaging 21.6 points a game, he was also the leading scorer of the tournament.{{Cite web|url=https://fiba.com/world/u19/2017/playerstats|title=Players statistics of the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2017 – FIBA.basketball|website=FIBA.basketball|access-date=July 12, 2017}}

In June 2018, he made his debut on Canada's senior men's national team, scoring 16 points in a 97–62 win over China.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/summer/rj-barrett-canada-basketball-victory-national-team-debut-1.4719457|title=R.J. Barrett leads Canada to victory in national team debut {{!}} CBC Sports|date=June 23, 2018|first=Jim|last=Morris|agency=The Canadian Press|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=December 8, 2018}}

On May 24, 2022, Barrett agreed to a three-year commitment to play with the Canadian senior men's national team.{{Cite web |title=FOURTEEN ATHLETES COMMITTED TO REPRESENT CANADA AS SENIOR MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM SUMMER CORE REVEALED |url=https://www.basketball.ca/news/athletes-committed-to-represent-canada-as-senior-mens-national-team-summer-core-revealed |access-date=May 24, 2022 |website=Canada Basketball}}

On September 3, they qualified to the quarter-finals of 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, in the process securing a berth at the 2024 Summer Olympics."{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10088193-shai-gilgeous-alexander-on-canada-qualifying-for-olympics-were-a-part-of-history|title=Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Canada Qualifying for Olympics: 'We're a Part of History'|last=Rapp|first=Timothy|website=The Bleacher Report|date=September 3, 2023|access-date=September 10, 2023}} Barrett ultimately sealed the victory with a 3 point shot and won the bronze medal over the United States in the third-place game. Barrett outplayed his Knicks teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart with 23 points on 50% shooting from the field.{{cite news|url=https://heavy.com/sports/new-york-knicks/rj-barrett-beats-brunson-hart/|title=Clutch RJ Barrett Helps Canada Beat Team USA for Historic Bronze Finish|last=Almo|first=Alder|website=Heavy|access-date=September 10, 2023 |date=September 10, 2023}} He combined with Dillon Brooks (39 points) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31 points) for 93 points. This was Canada's first ever World Cup medal, and first medal at a major global tournament since the 1936 Summer Olympics.{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/basketball/article-canada-defeats-us-in-overtime-to-claim-bronze-first-ever-medal-at-fiba/|title=Canada defeats U.S. in overtime to claim bronze, first-ever medal at FIBA World Cup|newspaper=The Globe & Mail|access-date=September 10, 2023 |date=September 10, 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://www.si.com/nba/raptors/news/canada-beats-united-states-to-clinch-bronze-at-fiba-world-cup|title=Canada Clinches 1st World Cup Medal With Thrilling Victory Over Americans|last=Rose|first=Aaron|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=September 10, 2023 |date=September 10, 2023}}

He was named to Canada's roster for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.{{cite web| title = Gilgeous-Alexander, Murray to lead NBA-experienced Canadian Olympic team in Paris| publisher = CBC / The Canadian Press | url = https://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/summer/basketball/canada-olympic-mens-basketball-roster-paris-1.7259301 | access-date = July 10, 2014}}

Career statistics

=NBA=

==Regular season==

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2019}}

| style="text-align:left;"|New York

| 56 || 55 || 30.4 || .402 || .320 || .614 || 5.0 || 2.6 || 1.0 || .3 || 14.3

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2020}}

| style="text-align:left;"|New York

| style="background:#cfecec;"|72* || style="background:#cfecec;"|72* || 34.9 || .441 || .401 || .746 || 5.8 || 3.0 || .7 || .3 || 17.6

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2021}}

| style="text-align:left;"|New York

| 70 || 70 || 34.5 || .408 || .342 || .714 || 5.8|| 3.0 || .6 || .2 || 20.0

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2022}}

| style="text-align:left;"|New York

| 73 || 73 || 33.9 || .434 || .310 || .740 || 5.0 || 2.8 || .4 || .2 || 19.6

| style="text-align:left;"rowspan=2|{{nbay|2023}}

| style="text-align:left;"|New York

| 26 || 26 || 29.5 || .423 || .331 || .831 || 4.3 || 2.4 || .5 || .3 || 18.2

| style="text-align:left;"|Toronto

| 32 || 32 || 33.5 || .553 || .392 || .629 || 6.4|| 4.1|| .6 || .4 || 21.8

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career

| 329 || 328 || 33.3 || .435 || .346 || .710 || 5.4 || 2.9 || .6 || .3 || 18.4

==Playoffs==

| style="text-align:left;"|2021

| style="text-align:left;"|New York

| 5 || 5 || 32.3 || .388 || .286 || .800 || 7.2 || 3.0 || .8 || .4 || 14.4

| style="text-align:left;"|2023

| style="text-align:left;"|New York

| 11 || 11 || 34.3 || .433 || .328 || .769 || 4.5 || 2.8 || .8 || .2 || 19.3

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career

| 16 || 16 || 33.7 || .420 || .315 || .775 || 5.9 || 2.9 || .8 || .3 || 17.8

=College=

| style="text-align:left;"|2018–19

| style="text-align:left;"|Duke

| 38 || 38 || 35.3 || .454 || .308 || .665 || 7.6 || 4.3 || .9 || .4 || 22.4

Personal life

Barrett's father Rowan Barrett was born to Jamaican parents and raised in Toronto. He played college basketball for St. John's before embarking on a professional career spent in Europe and South America.{{cite web |title=Former SJU Star Rowan Barrett Leading Team Canada |url=https://redstormsports.com/news/2000/9/19/Former_SJU_Star_Rowan_Barrett_Leading_Team_Canada.aspx?path=mbball |publisher=St. John's University Athletics |access-date=January 6, 2019 |date=September 19, 2000}}{{cite web |title=Catch you on the rebound: Rowan Barrett |url=http://basketball.ca/staff-s15166/news-article/catch-you-on-the-rebound-rowan-barrett |publisher=Canada Basketball |access-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-date=September 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924033339/http://basketball.ca/staff-s15166/news-article/catch-you-on-the-rebound-rowan-barrett |url-status=dead }} Rowan Sr. was a long-time member of the Canadian national team, which he captained at the 2000 Summer Olympics, and later became executive vice president and general manager of Canada Basketball.{{cite web |title=Rowan Barrett Named Senior Men's National Team General Manager |url=http://www.basketball.ca/canada-basketball-awarded-2015-fiba-americas-championship-for-women-p156750/news-article/rowan-barrett-named-senior-mens-national-team-general-manager |publisher=Canada Basketball |access-date=June 30, 2019 |date=March 5, 2019 |archive-date=August 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809020539/http://www.basketball.ca/canada-basketball-awarded-2015-fiba-americas-championship-for-women-p156750/news-article/rowan-barrett-named-senior-mens-national-team-general-manager |url-status=dead }}

Barrett is the godson of Steve Nash, a Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and former head coach of the Brooklyn Nets who played with his father on the Canadian national team.{{Cite web |date=September 8, 2018 |title=Point guards Steve Nash, Jason Kidd and Maurice Cheeks among Hall inductees |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24611047/steve-nash-jason-kidd-maurice-cheeks-basketball-hall-fame-inductees |access-date=January 7, 2019 |publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}} Rowan Sr. first met Nash, who is about two years his junior, while playing for the under-19 national team and quickly became close friends with him. When Barrett was a baby, Nash bought him his first crib.

Barrett's mother Kesha Duhaney is a native of Brooklyn, New York. She was a nationally ranked sprinter and long jumper for St. John's University before working for the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.{{cite web |last1=Pecar |first1=Steve |title=Mississauga's Barrett receives top basketball honour |url=https://peelregionreview.com/mississaugas-barrett-receives-top-basketball-honour/ |website=Peel Region Review |access-date=January 6, 2019 |date=March 9, 2018}} Barrett's parents first met while attending St. John's. His maternal aunt Dahlia Duhaney was a member of the Jamaica team 4 × 100 m relay that won a gold medal at the 1991 IAAF World Championships.{{cite web |title=Five things to know about rising Canadian basketball star R.J. Barrett |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/five-things-know-rising-canadian-basketball-star-r-j-barrett/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=January 6, 2019 |date=November 10, 2017}} Also on his mother's side, his grandparents ran track for the Jamaica national team, and his uncle played football for the University of Maryland.

Barrett can speak French fluently, although he admitted to being "a little rusty" in 2018.{{cite web |last1=Ewing |first1=Lori |title=R.J. Barrett to make Duke debut in hometown of Toronto |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/rj-barrett-duke-canada-tour-1.4780868 |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=January 8, 2018 |date=August 10, 2018}} After Barrett graduated from high school, his brother Nathan joined the prep basketball team at Montverde Academy.{{cite web |title=Nathan Barrett |url=https://mvasports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=628 |publisher=Montverde Academy |access-date=January 8, 2019}} Nathan, who was about four years younger than him, died in March 2024 at the age of 19.{{Cite news |date=2024-03-14 |title=Raptors star RJ Barrett, family mourning death of younger brother |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/rj-barrett-brother-death-1.7144642 |work=CBC News}}

References

External links

[http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=211767532 Duke Blue Devils bio]
[https://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/217370/rj-barrett ESPN profile]
[https://basketballcl.com/world/u19/2017/R-J--Barrett FIBA profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008232723/https://basketballcl.com/world/u19/2017/R-J--Barrett |date=October 8, 2017 }}

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