Robert Barnes, who was one of the main men who helped build Belmont’s men’s basketball program, has passed away at age 91.
He was one of the best post players in school basketball history, winning the national Chuck Taylor All-American Championship twice and the school’s conference player of the year in 1956.
“I don’t see how we could have finished anywhere near the top in league standings without Barnes. He has been valuable in every way and should be even greater next year.” Belmont’s coach, Larry Striplin, had his say when Belmont qualified for the NAIA tournament in 1955. He also had the highest free throws, i.e., 301 in the same year.
His Coach also introduced the “Robert E. Barnes Graduate Scholarship Award,” which was given annually to Belmont’s college athlete-graduate to honor Robert.
Robert’s Legacy Will Remain Forever
The Alabama native also scored 2305 points, which ranks him third in the School’s history, that too in just three Varsity seasons.
His highest score was 54 points against the Athens College in the season finale, back on February 26, 1954. This record was held for over 35 years.
In his career, he made 741 free throws and had a rebounding average of 13.7 per game, which is second in school history.
The Belmont’ basketball’s founding father, also averaged 28.2 points in his carrer, which is still a record to date.
Due to his legacy and commitment to the basketball team, Belmont also retired his Jersey no. 15. This is only one of the three retired jerseys in their history.
Additional Information
- Robert Barnes played on Belmont’s first four basketball teams, starting in 1952.
- He was honored as an Ohio Valley Conference Legend in 2018 and was nominated for the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.
- He Became Executive Vice President of Nelson-Brantley Glass Co. in Birmingham.
