ATLANTA – The Women’s Basketball College Association announced it’s 30 Under 30 honorees on Wednesday, a class that included Clemson women’s basketball assistant coach Daniel Barber. In his first year with the Tigers, Barber has help coach the Tigers to an 18-11 record, 9-7 in ACC play, with their eyes on the postseason.
“I am truly blessed and grateful for this opportunity,” said assistant coach Daniel Barber. “I never thought that I would receive such a prestigious award when there are so many others that are deserving of this opportunity. I am very thankful to all the outstanding coaches that I have worked for and receiving this award will only push me to work harder each and every day.”
Barber got in his start in women’s basketball as a scout team member while in school at the University of Florida. He worked his way from team manager to fill a graduate assistant role for then-Florida head coach Amanda Butler. Barber made stops as an assistant coach at UNC-Asheville and Stetson before finding his home with the Tigers in 2018.
As the guards coach at Clemson, Barber has been instrumental in the development of a scrappy backcourt, placing two guards, Simone Westbrook and Danielle Edwards, on the Atlantic Coast Conference All-Defensive Team this season. As a unit, Clemson ranks fifth in the conference in 3-point percentage, shooting .347 on the year.
Barber’s attitude and leadership on and off the court has made a lasting impression on those in the basketball sphere.
“There is not a more hard-working person in women’s basketball than Daniel,” said head coach Amanda Butler. “He is the consummate grinder and his heart is always in the right place. He really rounds out our staff in a special way and is truly part of the family.”
The 30 Under 30 program recognizes 30 up-and-coming women’s basketball coaches age 30 and under at all levels of the game. The honorees exemplify the best of women’s basketball through mentorship, professionalism, community service and professional association.
