Friar Legend Marvin Barnes Dead at Age 62

Some sad news for Friar fans as it was reported by the Providence Journal’s Kevin McNamara that former Friar legend Marvin Barnes passed away Monday. Barnes was 62 years old. Barnes is not only one of the all time great Friars but he also is one of the all time great college basketball players. He was a consensus First Team All American in 1974. Barnes holds numerous records at Providence as well as nationally.

Unfortunately Barnes had his share of off the court issues and dealt with drug addiction for many years. For now though, let us all remember the good times that Barnes provided with his on-court prowess in a Friar uniform in the 1970’s teaming up with Ernie DiGregorio and Kevin Stacom. There was the 1973 Final Four appearance and the 52 point game against Austin Peay in December 1973 among many others. Providence retired his jersey in 2008.

“Marvin will always be remembered as one of the greatest Friars of all-time,” Providence College Athletics Director Bob Driscoll said. “He established so many records during his time as a Friar and will forever be linked with Coach Gavitt’s amazing team that reached the 1973 Final Four.”

“Marvin’s basketball career had a tremendous impact on the tradition of Friar basketball,” Providence College Head Coach Ed Cooley said. “I grew up in Providence and always knew what a special basketball player Marvin Barnes was at Providence College.”

Records Barnes established at Providence College in his three year career: