Amanda Knapp
Will Barton, also known as The Thrill, is an American professional basketball player. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and played college basketball for the Memphis Tigers. Barton was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2012 NBA Draft and has since played for several teams, including the Denver Nuggets and the Guangdong Southern Tigers. In addition to his NBA career, Barton is also involved with the Baltimore-based youth basketball club, Team Thrill, which he supports financially and through coaching.
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What You'll Learn
Will Barton's career
Will Barton is a USA basketball player born on January 6, 1991, in Baltimore, Maryland. He is a 6'6" shooting guard and small forward who most recently played for Atleticos de San German in Puerto Rico's BSN. Barton graduated from the University of Memphis in 2012 and was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in the same year in the 2nd round (40th overall).
Barton began his high school career at Baltimore City College and then enrolled at the National Christian Academy in Fort Washington, Maryland, forcing him to repeat his sophomore year. As a junior, he returned to Baltimore, attending Lake Clifton Eastern High School. He then spent his senior year at Brewster Academy, a well-known boarding school in New Hampshire. After leaving Memphis and declaring for the NBA Draft in 2012, Barton signed an endorsement deal with Under Armour. He signed a three-year, $2.2 million deal with the Trail Blazers in 2012. On November 2, 2012, he made his NBA debut.
On February 19, 2015, Barton was traded to the Denver Nuggets. He re-signed with the Nuggets in 2015 and had the best season of his career, averaging 14.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, earning him consideration for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award. Barton became a semi-regular starter during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons. In 2018, he signed another extension to remain with the Nuggets, a four-year, $54 million deal. However, he missed three months during the 2018-19 season due to a hip injury, causing his production to drop. Barton bounced back during the 2019-20 season, averaging 15.1 points and five rebounds per game before the season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On March 4, 2022, Barton made his 769th three-pointer with the Nuggets, becoming the franchise's all-time leader in made three-pointers. On July 6, 2022, he was traded to the Washington Wizards. Barton made his Wizards debut on October 19, recording 14 points, two rebounds, and three assists in a win over the Indiana Pacers. He then signed with the Toronto Raptors on February 28, 2023, and later with CSKA Moscow of the VTB United League on January 29, 2024, although he left the team before playing for them.
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Team Thrill
The team's success is not just a result of Barton's involvement but also the dedication of program director and 17U head coach, Donnell Dobbins. Dobbins, who has a wealth of experience in basketball and human resource development, shares that the team's focus is on the development of their young athletes both on and off the court. This approach has paid dividends, with Team Thrill becoming one of the premier programs in Baltimore City and gaining recognition from college coaches across the nation.
Virginia Tech assistant coach Chester Frazier, who recruited Team Thrill’s John Ojiako, a 6-foot-10 power forward, attested to the team's growing reputation. He acknowledged that Team Thrill has emerged as a program to watch, with their strong showings at tournaments, such as the Under Armour Association (UAA) tournament, capturing the attention of coaches and scouts alike.
Barton, a Denver Nuggets shooting guard, has been an integral part of the team's success, offering more than just financial backing. He has been known to attend games and tournaments, and his hands-on approach to mentoring the young athletes has had a positive impact on the program. Despite his busy NBA career, Barton makes an effort to stay connected with the players and was even present at the UAA tournament, actively coaching and game-planning alongside Dobbins.
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The People's Champ
Will's content creation journey began as a passion project, fueled by his love for basketball and a desire to share his unique skills with the world. He honed his craft tirelessly, practicing intricate moves and developing an arsenal of trick shots that would become his signature. Through countless hours of dedication and a relentless work ethic, Will transformed himself into a basketball showman, capable of captivating audiences with his incredible skills.
One of Will's standout traits is his unwavering commitment to his fans. He recognizes the support he receives from his growing community and consistently expresses his gratitude. Will frequently interacts with his followers, responding to their comments and incorporating their suggestions into his content. This two-way engagement fosters a sense of community and involvement, solidifying the bond between Will and his fans.
Will's journey to becoming a viral basketball sensation is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication. Through his engaging content and unwavering fan connection, he has inspired a new generation of basketball enthusiasts. The People's Champ serves as a reminder that champions can emerge from anywhere and that skill, passion, and a strong community can converge to create something truly special. Will continues to push the boundaries of what's possible, leaving an indelible mark on the basketball world and inspiring countless others to pursue their passions.
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Coaching
Will Barton, also known as "The Thrill", is a professional basketball player who has expressed interest in coaching. He currently plays for the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association, having previously played for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA.
Barton's interest in coaching was sparked by his involvement with the Baltimore-based youth basketball club, Team Thrill, which bears his nickname. He has been praised for his hands-on involvement with the program, including attending games and mentoring young players. Barton's support for Team Thrill extends beyond financial backing, as he actively participates in coaching and game-planning with the team's head coach, Donnell Dobbins.
Donnell Dobbins, the program director and head coach of Team Thrill, shares Barton's passion for player development, emphasizing the importance of growth both on and off the court. Dobbins, who has a background in basketball and human resources, has been instrumental in the team's success, with players progressing to prominent college basketball programs.
Barton's influence as a mentor and role model for the young athletes in Team Thrill cannot be overstated. His presence on the sideline and in the day-to-day activities of the team provides valuable insights and inspiration for the players. As a successful professional player himself, Barton embodies the potential that the young athletes strive for, and his guidance helps bridge the gap between their aspirations and reality.
While Barton's playing career remains a primary focus, his impact on the next generation of basketball players through Team Thrill is already significant. His involvement demonstrates a commitment to nurturing talent and a recognition of the importance of coaching and mentorship in the development of young athletes.
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Development of young athletes
Will Barton, also known as "The Thrill", is a professional basketball player who has enjoyed a successful NBA career spanning over a decade. Aside from his impressive on-court achievements, Barton has also made a significant impact on the development of young athletes through his involvement with Team Thrill, a Baltimore-based youth basketball organisation.
Team Thrill has gained recognition as one of the premier youth basketball programs in Baltimore, with many of its players catching the attention of college coaches across the nation. The program's success can be attributed to its strong focus on the holistic development of its young athletes, both on and off the court. This approach aligns with Barton's own interest in mentoring and supporting the next generation of basketball players.
Barton's support for Team Thrill extends beyond financial contributions. He actively communicates with the players and was even present on the sidelines during the UAA tournament, coaching and game-planning alongside Team Thrill program director and 17U head coach, Donnell Dobbins. Barton's hands-on involvement demonstrates his commitment to not just the sport but also to fostering the growth and development of young athletes.
The impact of Barton's mentorship is evident in the success of Team Thrill's players. John Ojiako, a 6-foot-10 power forward, is one such example. Ojiako's performance at the UAA tournament caught the eye of college coaches, including Virginia Tech assistant coach Chester Frazier, who successfully recruited him to their program.
Team Thrill's approach to athlete development prioritises long-term growth and transformation over short-term wins. This philosophy, as articulated by Dobbins, reflects a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing student-athletes both academically and athletically, ensuring they develop the skills and mindset needed to succeed in all areas of their lives.
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Frequently asked questions
Will the Thrill's real name is Will Barton.
Will the Thrill is a shooting guard and small forward.
Will the Thrill is right-handed and has been described as a "strong pre-Christmas player".
Will the Thrill has had a career spanning 11 years, with an average of 15.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 32.9 minutes per game.
