The NCAA’s role in developing basketball talent is undeniable. Players like Stephen Curry, who led Davidson College to an Elite Eight, and Carmelo Anthony, who won a national championship with Syracuse as a freshman, used their college careers as a launchpad to NBA stardom. However, their success stories are overshadowed by the criticism of the organization’s policies and practices, which Charles Barkley and Matt Barnes weren’t afraid to convey to the public.

In a recent episode of the ‘Now It’s Legal with Jim Cavale’ podcast, the former Los Angeles Lakers small forward Matt Barnes was asked about what he has thought of to help his kids not face the same problems that he had faced while growing up in the league. The 44-year-old was quick to answer it. “I again think this is a very important topic as you know the NCAA has always kind of been crooked when it comes to I guess sharing the wealth, for a lack of a better word. You know all the money that stand out athletes have made schools over the years and you know there’s actual number now to kind of show that and the athletes never got a cut. So now again that could be coming through the same pipeline that I missed out on, I definitely want to be prepared, one, but two, if there is anything that I can do to help is definitely one of my focusses when it comes to that,” said Barnes during the podcast.

It can be said that the NCAA has faced numerous challenges to its unorganized model in recent years. Even though the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights for student-athletes in 2021 was a significant step that allowed players to profit from endorsements and sponsorships, many critics claimed that the sponsorships were biased and most of the time, the deserving athlete doesn’t get the sponsorships. That’s exactly why even Sir Charles had to speak up on the issue.

Just a few weeks ago, Chuck, in a conversation with the reporters regarding the increasing sponsorships of NIL in college sports, stated that the absence of financial regulation has led to a widening gap between well-funded programs and their less fortunate counterparts. This has disrupted the uniformity among college athletes. “You think about it: college sports is the only league in the world that doesn’t have a salary cap. That lets you know how shi**y this situation is. Every league and every sport has a salary cap except college sports. That’s an unsustainable model to ask rich people, or your fanbase, to pony up millions of dollars every year,” said Barkley.

As the debate continues, the NCAA finds itself at a crossroads. The voices of respected former athletes like Barkley and Barnes carry substantial weight, and their criticisms can be speculated to accelerate calls for reform. But with the NCAA season just around the corner, here are Matt Barnes’ kids.

Meeting Matt Barnes’ children

The small forward who has played for 14 seasons in the NBA and now has his own podcast is both the father and step-father of seven children and is determined to provide the best for them. During the podcast, Barnes informed Jim Cavale that he is going to be by the side of his kids for a long time. “I’m gonna be in this dad mode for, and excuse me, three bonus kids, so I’ve six boys and one girl and everyone plays sports so you know for the next twenty plus years I’m gonna be in this dad mode for this kids transitioning from each level and hopefully getting into college and beyond so dad life is amazing,” said Barnes during the podcast.

But now let’s meet the kids. The NBA champ was once married to Gloria Govan whom he started dating in 2006. With her, he welcomed twin boys, Carter Kelly Barnes and Isaiah Michael Barnes, in 2018 who are now rocking the basketball court of the Aqua Prieta City. The former NBA player is also the stepfather to three kids from the famous model Anansa Sims and also a biological father to a bit whom he welcomed with her in 2018. The kid’s names are Ava Brielle Patterson, David Bernard Patterson, Dean Danny Benjamin Patterson, and Ashton Joseph Barnes.

On October 3rd, 2024 Barnes and Sims welcomed another baby boy by the name of Austin Matthew Barnes. From the efforts that he gives towards his kids, it can be said that the former Lakers star is a devoted father who is always there for his children, supporting them in their endeavors and providing them with the love and guidance they need to succeed.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger