If Jimmer Fredette is the star of Team USA 3×3 at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the former NBA player is teaming up with a well-known name from the Major League: Barry Canyon. Yes, the latter is indeed the son of the legend Rick Barry, MVP of the 1975 Finals, and in civilian life, he is an engineer in the field of defense and space.
“Scientist, engineer, problem solver… Take your pick.”, is he laughing when it comes to defining it, after graduating in physics and holding a master's degree in nuclear engineering.
Very attracted to science from a young age, Canyon Barry did not bet everything on sport despite the example of his illustrious father. It was his mother's wish.
“She always said you never know what can happen in sports, with injuries. So having an exciting career and an identity outside of sports was really important to me. Because when the ball stops bouncing, I know I have a passion and a job that I can go back to, that I can thrive in and that I can really enjoy for the rest of my life.”
Science and spoon
He didn't give up his work during the preparation for the Olympic Games, because with the travel to do and the time difference with the United States, he was often on his computer at night while Jimmer Fredette and his teammates were sleeping.
“You shouldn't tell him I said that, but he's really very intelligent.”the latter declares.
On the court, Canyon Barry has a very visual peculiarity, known for years: he shoots free throws like his father, so with a spoon. He, the man of science, uses an archaic method, which has certainly proven itself (Rick Barry shot at 89.3% success on the line, fourth most skillful in history) but is no longer used by players today. Why?
“There's been a lot of physics papers that say this is a more reproducible motion,” he justifies his actions. “When you shoot free throws one-handed, your wrist, elbow and shoulder all have to trigger at the right time and make a movement to create the proper trajectory, angle and arc. On the other hand, with an underhand shot, it’s just your shoulder that’s involved. So with one joint, you really simplify the shot.”
However, this was not enough for the United States, who were soundly beaten (22-14) by Serbia in the opening match of the tournament.
