Westchester County's Daniel Barrera has undergone a bit of a self-revelation the last few months.
The more he works, the more improvement the former Alexander Hamilton guard reaps the rewards of in his all around game, the more he envisions basketball as a critical factor in his future.
An athletic 6-foot-1 guard with an adeptness at creating his own shot off the dribble, Barrera has subscribed to the ultimate gym rat mentality.
Working out daily alongside 6-foot guard and Division-1 prospect in Khyree Taylor (Scotland Campus) and hotly pursued national high major prospect RJ Davis (Stepinac), his hunger and competitive spirit has grown. The oft-attacking guard has opened up a dependable outside shot, subsequently adding a barrage of moves to his offensive arsenal.
The recently graduated combination guard averaged 18 PPG for Alexander Hamilton last season.
After weighing a slew of JUCO options, however, it now appears prep will be the most suitable route for the kid who scores it in a variety of ways.
"The most memorable part of my time at Hamilton was winning a (Section 1) championship and really developing into the leader I always wanted to be on the court," says Barrerra, who has been at staple at the SUNY Purchase open gym runs this summer.
"My coach (Keith Wright) he gave me a lot of freedom to be the best scorer I can be and lead by that. He basically emphasized that the more I score and initiate the offense, the better chance the team has of winning. We had a really good relationship and it benefited me while there and in the long run."
The long run is currently what Barrerra has invested his focus, heart, and intensified daily workout regimen into. The presence brought by Davis and Taylor has certainly accelerated his production.
"Just witnessing two of my closest friends, guys I consider family, getting one step closer to achieving their goal is motivational," he said.
"That goal is to go to school for free at the highest level."
The goal became closer and closer to a reality for Barrera following 28-point efforts against both North Salem and Poughkeepsie. He averaged 22 PPG one week, scoring on the full monty of thorough slashes, 3-pointers, pull-ups. He boasted a feathery mid range game,routinely creating space and scoring off the dribble.