LEXINGTON, Ky. — On the same floor where the Transylvania Pioneers men’s basketball team practices and plays, the team Monday signed its newest recruit: a 7-year-old from Lexington with big dreams. 

Bentley Barber was matched with the Pioneers by Team Impact, a national organization that connects children battling serious or chronic illnesses with college athletic teams.

"It gives him something to look forward to. Something he has people who can kind of take what he has and throw it out the window, he can forget about it for a few hours. So it's definitely positive," says dad Greg Barber.

At Monday’s draft-day ceremony, Brantley signed a letter of intent, making him officially a Pioneer.

His involvement with the team includes attending some practices, games and interacting with players.

"We have over 27 players and what better way to help somebody than to give them 27 new, new teammates and lifelong friends so we're looking forward to following Bentley not only the next couple of years while he's here at Transylvania, but for a long time,” adds Brian Lane, Transy Men's Basketball Coach.

Bentley is the first young player to sign with Transylvania Athletics through Team Impact.