Sydney Barker returns to the UNC women's basketball program for sophomore season

Sydney Barker grew up 10 minutes from campus but may have seemed a world away from playing for the UNC women's basketball program. Despite being a high school-scoring dynamo (she scored 1,626 points in her prep career), at 5'7" and not overly athletic, she was a long shot at becoming a Tar Heel. She applied to North Carolina as a regular student and joined the team as a walk-on.

Heaps of playing time are probably not in store for Barker, but she will no doubt contribute to the team culture and push the starters in practice.

2023-2024 Season In Review

Barker appeared in 12 games last season, playing a total of 44 minutes. She scored 10 points (two three-pointers and two regular field goals). She showed toughness, breaking her nose against Boston College but returning in a mask to hit a three-pointer against Duke in a 63-59 win.

The highlight of her season was when she was given a scholarship in the middle of her freshman season.

What to Expect in 2024-2025

Unfortunately for Barker, the UNC women's basketball program has a lot of backcourt depth. She will be solidly behind Reniya Kelly, Kayla McPherson, Indya Nivar, Lexi Donarski, and highly-rated freshman Lanie Grant. Playing time will come at a premium, especially if North Carolina isn't hit hard by the injury bug like they were last season.

Expect Sydney Barker to get most of her minutes at the end of heavy victories or losses. If the Tar Heels can beat up on lesser teams and not let them shrink the margin in the fourth quarter, Barker can get some minutes and find shots in the team offense.

Bold Prediction

Look for Sydney Barker to hit multiple three-pointers in multiple early non-conference games this season, excluding the Connecticut and Kentucky games. The Tar Heels will take on several regional non-Power 5 schools that should allow Barker to see some court time at the end of games.