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The “Big Apple” is home to an endless amount of teams, iconic venues and stadiums. Tonight, the Gator men’s basketball team gets to soak it all in as they attempt to leave their mark on one of the world’s most iconic arenas.
21st-ranked Florida will be taking on 5th-ranked Duke in Madison Square Garden for the Jimmy V Classic tonight. This is a big game for both teams, but it could pan out to be a bit more meaningful for one particular guard.
Following Dad’s Footsteps?
Canyon Barry joined the Gator squad this season, after transferring from College of Charleston. But before he the guard even stepped foot on a court, it was his dad going through the X’s and O’s on the hardwood. Rick Barry is a Hall of Famer and the only player to lead the NBA, NCAA, and ABA in scoring. Canyon definitely scored an MVP-caliber dad.
Rick Barry was taken as the second overall pick in the 1965 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors. Rick Barry also spent time on the Houston Rockets and the New York Nets in his career. Canyon Barry’s Dad left his mark on Madison Square Garden when he racked up 57 points against the New York Knicks. It’s fair to say, Canyon has this high-scoring opportunity in his genes. A “Barry” good performance is expected.
Canyon has been one of the top scorers for Florida in the last couple of games. Will he blow up the box scores and reach 57 points like his dad? It could happen, but then again…his Dad wasn’t going up against a top-notch Duke defense. The Nuclear Engineer major knows this game is big and the Blue Devils are arguably their toughest opponent thus far, however he and the Gators are looking forward to the opportunity.
The stage is set for both Duke and Florida. Both teams are going to lay it on all out on the line, but Canyon Barry could have the edge. Barry is playing for his team and possibly his dad’s legacy.
Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m.
