Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Harrison Barnes: Preseason All-American

Freshman Harrison Barnes hasn’t even played a game for North Carolina and he is already gaining honors.

Barnes was named to the Associated Press Preseason All-America Team recently.

Barnes is probably the most celebrated player ever to come out of the state of Iowa. Barnes prepped at Ames High School and averaged 19.7 points per game and 8.8 rebounds last year in leading the Little Cyclones to another state title.

I watched Barnes’ press conference when he selected North Carolina. It was a big production. Iowa State, located in Ames, was also a finalist, but the Cyclone fans knew that was a long shot. It’s pretty tough to say no to the elite programs in America when EVERYBODY wants your services.

But we Iowans will still watch Barnes’ career closely.

We have been hearing about this guy in Iowa for years. I have watched him played on TV. It was like wow—what a player. He’s 6-8, quick and can jump. He was rated the No. 1 high school player in the country last season.

But he still needs to perform in college. And apparently people are firmly convinced he will. At least the AP voters are.

The Tar Heels need Barnes. North Carolina was an average team last year. North Carolina doesn’t do average. It plays for national championships. Coach Roy Williams wants Barnes to help the Tar Heels return to the top of the ladder. Ole’ Roy loves cutting those nets down.

Based on his potential, Barnes might just give Williams his wish.

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