The consensus #1 overall recruit in the nation for the class of 2010 is none other than Ames, Iowa's own Harrison Barnes. The 6-8, 209-pound small forward is rated a 98 by ESPN, with 99 being the highest possible score for a player. Barnes, a silky smooth scorer versatile enough to play four positions (check out this video displaying his offensive abilities), is the reigning Mr. Iowa Basketball heading into his senior season. It goes without saying that he is coveted by numerous top college programs. His short list is currently North Carolina, Kansas, Oklahoma, Duke, UCLA and Iowa State (basically the same as my list of schools when I was a senior in high school). But after months of speculation, the wait is nearly over as Barnes is set to announce his decision this Friday, November 13 at 3 p.m. The live press conference will be televised by ESPNU.
Unfortunately, as much as I would like to see Barnes stay in the midwest, I don't see that happening. Let's be honest, him staying in his hometown to play for the Cyclones would be a SHOCKER, to say the least. As a Jayhawk, he could at least make a return to play in Ames once a season. However, I also don't see him signing with KU--the team is already too deep and talented at the wing positions for several years to come, especially after landing 2009's overall #1 recruit in swingman Xavier Henry. North Carolina and Duke seem to be the top choices he is wrestling with.
I haven't seen Barnes play in person recently, but I did see him play against Urbandale when he started as a freshman in high school. This was before he was "Harrison Barnes." No one knew who he was, but I could tell he was going to be a player. He was raw at the time, but it was obvious once he matured physically and became more comfortable with his skills he would be a big time prospect. I also refereed him the summer going into his sophomore year and I could tell he was moving along in that direction. He absolutely dominated last year, leading Ames High to the state championship.
SLAM Magazine has chosen Barnes to be this season's senior diary keeper where he pens a short section talking about life as a top recruit and going through his senior year in high school. The thing that makes this kid special though, is that he is just as dedicated in the classroom as he is on the court. He's smart and very mature for his age. Some analysts may talk about him being a "one-and-done" type of player, which he may have the potential to be, but I don't think he is even considering that. He wants to enjoy college and win a national title, which is why he is taking his time with his final decision. Whichever program he chooses, it should consider itself lucky. Who says Iowa doesn't produce quality ballers?
And because, really, no post is complete without a reference to Dick Vitale, here's one of his recent tweets having to do with this subject:
Do u think it is Maolox time at Kansas, Okla.,UCLA, NC, Duke , and Iowa STas they find out in 80 hours where Harrison Barnes will go?
Photo from highschoolhoop.com.
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