Professional Basketball Player. For six seasons (1974 to 1980), he played at the center position in the American and National Basketball Leagues with the Spirits of St. Louis, Detroit Pistons, Buffalo Braves and San Diego Clippers. Born Marvin Jerome Barnes, he attended Central High School in Rhode Island and played collegiate basketball at Providence College. Recruited by coach Dave Gavitt, Barnes was a key contributor to the Friars reaching of the "Final Four" during the 1972-1973 NCAA Tournament. At the conclusion of his collegiate career, he was the school's leader in several rebounding and blocking records and to date remains as so. Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as the number two overall pick of the 1974 NBA Draft, he opted to play with St. Louis of the ABA and earned Rookie of the Year honors with his 1,849 points-scored along with 1,202 total rebounds. He achieved all-star status his first two years (1975 and 1976). After the league folded, he moved on to the NBA but never again displayed impressive numbers. In 315 regular season ABA and NBA games, he compiled 5,034 points with 2,873 rebounds. Sadly, after his basketball career ended, he struggled with substance abuse issues, which began during his playing career. His uniform number has been retired by Providence College.
Professional Basketball Player. For six seasons (1974 to 1980), he played at the center position in the American and National Basketball Leagues with the Spirits of St. Louis, Detroit Pistons, Buffalo Braves and San Diego Clippers. Born Marvin Jerome Barnes, he attended Central High School in Rhode Island and played collegiate basketball at Providence College. Recruited by coach Dave Gavitt, Barnes was a key contributor to the Friars reaching of the "Final Four" during the 1972-1973 NCAA Tournament. At the conclusion of his collegiate career, he was the school's leader in several rebounding and blocking records and to date remains as so. Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as the number two overall pick of the 1974 NBA Draft, he opted to play with St. Louis of the ABA and earned Rookie of the Year honors with his 1,849 points-scored along with 1,202 total rebounds. He achieved all-star status his first two years (1975 and 1976). After the league folded, he moved on to the NBA but never again displayed impressive numbers. In 315 regular season ABA and NBA games, he compiled 5,034 points with 2,873 rebounds. Sadly, after his basketball career ended, he struggled with substance abuse issues, which began during his playing career. His uniform number has been retired by Providence College.
Bio by: C.S.
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