Official: D.J. Barnes Stays With Bnei Herzliya

Bnei Herzliya has officially announced that American center D.J. Barnes will remain with the club. Barnes, 25, who stands 2.06 meters, joined in January after Jordyn Wornardo was injured and quickly became an important part of the team.

In his first spell with Herzliya, Barnes averaged 10.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists, helping the club reach the State Cup final and the playoffs quarterfinals. He was also one of the players who chose to return to Israel before the ceasefire with Iran.

Barnes arrived in Israel with notable college credentials. Two years ago he led North Carolina State to the NCAA Final Four and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. In his final college season he averaged 12.9 points, 4 rebounds and 2.9 assists.

After going undrafted, Barnes signed in South Korea, where he averaged 9.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 18.7 minutes per game. He started last season in the NBA G League and then joined Herzliya in January. Coach Yehua Orland said the club believes Barnes has the potential to become a leading player in Israel and Europe, while Barnes said he is happy to stay, feels connected to the city, Israel, and the fans, and wants to arrive next season in “the best version” of himself.