Flint Journal Article

GOODRICH, Mich. (11/5/2012) -- Former Titan men's basketball player David Barns passed away on Sunday after nearly a two-year battle with cancer.

“On behalf of friends and former players, we would like to send our condolences to the Barns family for the passing of David,” said former Titan Bernie Fuhs. “He was a fun loving, hard working and team-oriented person, who reached his dream of playing Division I basketball the hard way. David worked his way up the ladder as a true walk-on by starting as a team manager before reaching his ultimate goal of competing at the highest level. He will be truly missed by his family, friends and Titan teammates. “

Barns started his career at Grand Valley State before transferring to the University of Detroit Mercy. In his two seasons (2003-05), the former walk-on appeared in nine games with one start. He made his Titan debut against Western Michigan on Nov. 24, 2003, and connected on his first Division I field goal in a Horizon League game against Cleveland State on March 2, 2004.

He then received the starting nod on Senior Day against Youngstown State on Feb. 26, 2005, ending the contest with two points and a rebound.

Barns graduated from Goodrich High School in 2000, where he scored over 1,000 points while playing for his father and long-time Martians' coach Gary Barns. His mother, Stacey, has worked at the University for the last 10 years and is currently in her sixth season as UDM's men's basketball office manager.

Arrangements are still being made. Tentative plans are for a viewing at the Hill Funeral Home in Grand Blanc on Wednesday and Thursday and for services on Friday.

For a great article on David, click here to read and watch a video his account of his battle with squamous cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer.