-- Story provided by Albion College Athletics --

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Senior guard MJ Barnes has been introduced as part of the NABC Division III Student-Athlete Development Coalition. Barnes is one of 10 Division III players to be part of the coalition, and the representative for the Great Lakes Region.

Initially launched last season for Division I programs, the NABC has expanded this season to engage all three divisions in the NCAA. The Student-Athlete Development Coalition is composed of a diverse group of DIII men's basketball players who provide direct feedback on a varsity of national issues to the NABC. 

"We are thrilled about MJ being selected to participate in the NABC DIII Men's Basketball Student-Athlete Coalition," said head coach, Jody May. "This is a great initiative by the NABC to gain insight from the student-athlete perspective about current issues in NCAA Basketball at all levels.  It will also be an unbelievable experience for MJ as he continues to evolve into a great leader for not only our men's basketball program but also at Albion College."

The 2021-22 NABC DIII Student-Athlete Development Coalition includes:

MJ Barnes, Albion College
Sean Coman, Hendrix College
Daryl Costa, Springfield College
Jarron Flynn, Connecticut College
Blake Gearhart, Clarkson University
Bryce Hopkins, University of Chicago
Marcus Juarez, University of Dallas
Owen Theune, Ripon College
McKale Williams, Stevenson University

In addition to making an impact off the court, Barnes was a key player on last season's team. As a junior, Barnes averaged 10.6 points per game -- including a sparkling 42.2 percent from deep.