"Handles, Heat, and High-Level Vision: A Lead Guard Built to Dominate the Moment"

Brendan Barrett

@Bren_Barrett7

IG: @Bren.2shifftyy

6’2, 150lbs, Class of 2028

Free State HS, KS

Brendan is a crafty, electric point guard with serious juice in his game. He’s got shifty handles, nasty change-of-pace moves, and a smooth scoring bag that keeps defenders guessing. With a punishing floater, a smooth touch from deep, and the ability to slice his way into the lane at will, he’s a nightmare to stay in front of. But it’s not just flair, Brendan slows the game down when needed, reads the floor like a vet, and makes plays that shift momentum. Whether he’s dropping dimes off the drive or pulling up off one or two dribbles, he plays the game with confidence, pace, and IQ beyond his age. He’s a lead guard with swagger and skill, and he’s just getting started.

This past season at Free State, Brendan averaged 6 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds per game while showing off his improved strength and toughness around the rim. That strength helped unlock a new level in his attack game; he became harder to bump off his spots and more willing to embrace contact in the paint. His biggest improvement has been making his game simpler, getting to his spots in 3–5 dribbles, mastering the pull-up, and becoming deadly off the catch. This offseason, his focus is on consistency and efficiency. He’s worked hard to clean up his footwork and elevate his catch-and-shoot mechanics so he can torch defenders even without the ball in his hands.

Brendan has been a standout for VWBA on the AAU circuit. He led his team to an undefeated 4–0 run at the #RLHoops KC Showcase and was recognized for having a “deep and smooth offensive game.” His ability to drive and kick, control tempo, and make the right reads has set him apart. Brendan also made noise at RecruitLook events and is locked in on winning the RecruitLook Championship and making a splash in Atlanta, an event known for high-level exposure and elite competition. His game is already turning heads, and now the offers are starting to roll in. Brendan has picked up D1 offers from Jacksonville University and Weber State, a testament to the poise, control, and scoring ability he consistently brings to the court.

He’s fueled by responsibility. One of the most impactful things this season wasn’t a game or a highlight; it was his big brother, Korbin Dowdell, taking him under his wing and showing him what it truly means to grow, compete, and lead. Brendan approaches the game fired up from the jump, and when facing adversity, he locks in even harder, never letting a mistake define his performance. The best coaching advice he’s ever received from Coach Dwayne Paul saying, “Working hard every day and being great is hard. But being lazy and living an average life is also hard. Pick your hard.” That quote drives him, fuels him, and shapes the way he attacks every workout, every game, and every goal.

Off the floor, Brendan enjoys time with family, hanging with friends, and living a balanced life. But when it’s game time, he’s a competitor who doesn’t blink, and he’s coming for more.

I assess that Brendan’s combination of high-level decision-making, tight handles, and scoring versatility makes him a floor general built for the college level. His ability to control the pace, knock down shots, and create for others with little dribbling is rare. He’s a versatile, tough-minded guard with a true lead-by-example game.

With two D1 offers already in hand and momentum building fast, Brendan is firmly on the rise. Expect him to dominate the rest of the AAU season and take another leap next school year. His poise, development focus, and leadership ability make him one of the most promising 2028 guards in the country. With soaring confidence and hunger, we can expect a breakout season ahead. Stay tuned as his best basketball is still ahead.