A Name Deluge of Legends
Rick Barry, the former NBA and ABA star, is a walking encyclopedia of sports history. Within moments of conversation, he recalls advice from golf greats, anecdotes involving tennis legends, and even interactions with a recent Heisman Trophy winner. Yet, it’s the mention of a young pickleball prodigy that truly captures his admiration: Anna Leigh Waters.
A Rising Star in Pickleball
Two years ago, Barry met the then-15-year-old sensation Waters, telling her, “You’ve achieved something that’s never going to happen again. There’s no way a 15-year-old could become the best pickleball player in the world.” Now, at 17, Waters continues to impress, recently earning her 29th career Triple Crown at the Pro Pickleball Association Virginia Beach Cup. Barry, at 80, has fully embraced this vibrant new world of pickleball, proudly identifying as an enthusiast.
The Competitive Spirit
For Barry, competition remains at the heart of his involvement in sports. “I’m out there for one reason: to win, plain and simple,” he states. As a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, his passion for pickleball is serious business. Opponents on the court might recognize him—especially older players who often ask for photos—but Barry chuckles at the obliviousness of younger competitors.
Currently ranking among the top players in his age group, Barry has enjoyed considerable success, recently claiming the Triple Crown at the U.S. Open in Naples, Florida. With upcoming events at the Huntsman Senior World Games in Utah, he aims to add more medals to his collection.
Transitioning from Basketball to Pickleball
Despite basketball being his first love, Barry has found joy in pickleball due to its lower physical toll. “It’s a great workout without the heavy toll on your body,” he explains, noting the wear and tear that tennis can bring. His unique background—known for his underhanded free throws—translates well into pickleball, where finesse and mental strategy play crucial roles.
“I’ve focused on making my serve really effective,” he shares, emphasizing the importance of strong serves in controlling matches. His competitive nature is evident, as noted by Ted Meyer, who played doubles with Barry. “He just hates to lose,” Meyer remarked, highlighting Barry’s impressive skills even at 80.
A New Adventure
Barry’s foray into pickleball began in 2019 at the suggestion of his wife, Lynn. Initially skeptical, he quickly grew fond of the sport. “I thought, ‘Yeah, this could be fun,’” he recalled. The game combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, played on a smaller court with a lower net, making it accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages.
In Florida, where he spends his winters, Barry refined his skills and honed his game. Mentorship from experienced players like Dick Scott allowed him to learn from both victories and defeats. “Rick really enjoyed that,” Scott noted, as they faced tougher competition together.
Evangelist for Pickleball
Now a prominent figure in the pickleball community, Barry is passionate about promoting the sport. He’s not alone in his enthusiasm; the Sports & Fitness Industry Association reported a staggering 223.5% increase in U.S. pickleball players, with over 13.6 million people picking up a paddle in 2023. “This is going to be incredible,” Barry asserts, believing the sport is a lasting phenomenon.
He has even encouraged fellow NBA Hall of Famers to join in. Barry successfully got Chris Mullin to try pickleball and is in discussions with Hakeem Olajuwon, believing his skills would make him a natural fit.
A Sport for All
Barry’s involvement in pickleball extends beyond competition; he enjoys the camaraderie and fun surrounding the game. Earlier this year, he participated in the PickleBowl celebrity pro-am, hosted by Heisman winner Danny Wuerffel, who shares a deep passion for the sport.
With tennis icons like Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf also diving into pickleball, Barry recognizes the growing acceptance and excitement surrounding the game. While Agassi fully embraces it, he notes that McEnroe takes a more laid-back approach. “I called him out, saying, ‘John, this is going somewhere,’” Barry recalled.
The Unstoppable Drive
At 80, Rick Barry shows no signs of slowing down. His relentless desire to outplay opponents remains as strong as ever. With each match, he not only seeks victory but also encourages a new generation of players to embrace the thrilling world of pickleball. For Barry, this is more than just a game—it’s a new chapter in a storied athletic career.
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