It isn’t often that North Carolina basketball coach Roy Williams finishes second in anything. But this week it happened.
Williams was trying to land another top-notch Iowa high school player in Sioux City East’s Adam Woodbury. The 7-foot center was drawing interest from many suitors. Williams has had plenty of success in ‘stealing’ stellar Iowa players from the likes of Iowa State and Iowa. I figure o’Roy has plenty of possibilities on the east coast and doesn’t need to venture into little Iowa.
Well, Woodbury announced this week he will play basketball for coach Fran McCaffery at Iowa. Reportedly, Williams was in Woodbury’s home earlier this week. The sales pitch wasn’t enough.
Williams and North Carolina will be fine. The rich will land somebody else. Hopefully, this is the beginning of locked doors at the Iowa borders for out-of-state coaches who want to randomly come in and take the best Iowa high school basketball players.
Now, it’s time for Iowa State to land an elite Iowa player that spurns the big boys. That would also convince players that Iowa is a destination place not a departure place.
Showing posts with label Roy Williams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Roy Williams. Show all posts
Friday, September 16, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Harrison Barnes' Decision
I was already this morning to write about North Carolina’s Harrison Barnes not making a decision about the NBA yet. And then I find out he made his decision.
The folks in Carolina can rest easy. Barnes is returning for season No. 2 in Chapel Hill.
I was somewhat puzzled that Barnes was taking his time with the decision. Two of his high profile teammates, Tyler Zeller and John Henson, had already decided to stay in school. I thought that might have an impact on Barnes’ choice.
So the family will stay together at least one more season.
Barnes may have been scared off by the potential NBA lockout. If he would have gone to the pros and there was a work stoppage, Barnes would have been stuck. Now, he can play ball and allow the NBA to work out its issues.
Barnes is a talented player obviously, but his game can use development. He can grow his game in college, enjoy his teammates and the entire college experience. This is a win-win situation for Barnes.
And a win-win for Carolina. Coach Roy Williams’ group should be a major factor next season with three outstanding returning players and the usual top-notch incoming freshmen talent.
The folks in Carolina can rest easy. Barnes is returning for season No. 2 in Chapel Hill.
I was somewhat puzzled that Barnes was taking his time with the decision. Two of his high profile teammates, Tyler Zeller and John Henson, had already decided to stay in school. I thought that might have an impact on Barnes’ choice.
So the family will stay together at least one more season.
Barnes may have been scared off by the potential NBA lockout. If he would have gone to the pros and there was a work stoppage, Barnes would have been stuck. Now, he can play ball and allow the NBA to work out its issues.
Barnes is a talented player obviously, but his game can use development. He can grow his game in college, enjoy his teammates and the entire college experience. This is a win-win situation for Barnes.
And a win-win for Carolina. Coach Roy Williams’ group should be a major factor next season with three outstanding returning players and the usual top-notch incoming freshmen talent.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Harrison Barnes and Fred Hoiberg
Allow me to dream a little bit today.
Would Ames High School star player Harrison Barnes said no to Iowa State if Fred Hoiberg was the coach when Barnes made his decision to attend North Carolina?
They say timing in life is everything.
Barnes was the most celebrated high school player in the country last year. His final schools were North Carolina, Duke, Iowa State and a couple others. Well, you knew he wasn’t going to Iowa State with Duke and North Carolina in the mix. Iowa State’s program was also in turmoil with player departures and coach Greg McDermott’s poor record.
McDermott left when Creighton called. Hoiberg was hired too late to give his sales pitch to Barnes.
But can you imagine the sales pitch “Mayor” Hoiberg could have given this guy? North Carolina coach Roy Williams would have been shaking in his Michael Jordan Nikes.
It could have been a beautiful marriage between Hoiberg and Barnes. Think of the focus from the national press on Iowa State’s program: former hometown star coaches another hometown star.
But the dream is over. Barnes is doing well in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Hoiberg has had a rough season at Iowa State, but with some talented players coming in next season, the Mayor’s stock is still rising.
Would Ames High School star player Harrison Barnes said no to Iowa State if Fred Hoiberg was the coach when Barnes made his decision to attend North Carolina?
They say timing in life is everything.
Barnes was the most celebrated high school player in the country last year. His final schools were North Carolina, Duke, Iowa State and a couple others. Well, you knew he wasn’t going to Iowa State with Duke and North Carolina in the mix. Iowa State’s program was also in turmoil with player departures and coach Greg McDermott’s poor record.
McDermott left when Creighton called. Hoiberg was hired too late to give his sales pitch to Barnes.
But can you imagine the sales pitch “Mayor” Hoiberg could have given this guy? North Carolina coach Roy Williams would have been shaking in his Michael Jordan Nikes.
It could have been a beautiful marriage between Hoiberg and Barnes. Think of the focus from the national press on Iowa State’s program: former hometown star coaches another hometown star.
But the dream is over. Barnes is doing well in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Hoiberg has had a rough season at Iowa State, but with some talented players coming in next season, the Mayor’s stock is still rising.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Roy Williams and Harrison Barnes
After watching some of the North Carolina-Duke game last night, I began to reflect on the relationship between Roy Williams and Harrison Barnes.
Coach Williams landed the celebrated recruit from Ames, Iowa high school last year. Ames is only about 70 miles from my home.
Color broadcaster Dick Vitale was talking about Barnes and his hometown last night.
Barnes could have gone anywhere in the basketball universe but apparently developed a deep relationship with Williams. Williams knows the state of Iowa well. He grabbed two stellar athletes from our state when he was coaching Kansas. One guy jokingly said that ‘ole Roy’ should pay Iowa state income tax.
Barnes has had mega pressure on him this season. He was the first freshman ever to be named a preseason All-American. So when Superman came in and didn’t dominant, the questions were flying. But Barnes is picking his game up and playing like the preseason hype.
I wonder what impact Williams has had on Barnes’ improved play. Did the coach give him the tough love speech or did he use the positive reinforcement approach?
Maybe some of both.
You can bet Williams didn’t gush over Barnes like he did during the recruiting process. But it looks like Barnes, Williams and North Carolina will be just fine.
Coach Williams landed the celebrated recruit from Ames, Iowa high school last year. Ames is only about 70 miles from my home.
Color broadcaster Dick Vitale was talking about Barnes and his hometown last night.
Barnes could have gone anywhere in the basketball universe but apparently developed a deep relationship with Williams. Williams knows the state of Iowa well. He grabbed two stellar athletes from our state when he was coaching Kansas. One guy jokingly said that ‘ole Roy’ should pay Iowa state income tax.
Barnes has had mega pressure on him this season. He was the first freshman ever to be named a preseason All-American. So when Superman came in and didn’t dominant, the questions were flying. But Barnes is picking his game up and playing like the preseason hype.
I wonder what impact Williams has had on Barnes’ improved play. Did the coach give him the tough love speech or did he use the positive reinforcement approach?
Maybe some of both.
You can bet Williams didn’t gush over Barnes like he did during the recruiting process. But it looks like Barnes, Williams and North Carolina will be just fine.
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Barnes is an Outstanding Basketball Player
Folks across the country will enjoy watching Harrison Barnes play basketball at the University of North Carolina next season.
Barnes, a 6-7 wing talent, helped Ames, Iowa High School in crushing about every opponent the Little Cyclones faced the last couple seasons. When opponents played Ames (and battled Barnes), it was basically a question how large the Little Cyclones' victory margin would become.
Barnes can play anywhere on the floor: guard, forward or center. The guy has a great first step. He is fluid. He can rise and dunk. The potential seems unlimited.
Barnes will have his defensive game questioned in college. But most high school stars must focus more on that part of the game at the next level because they aren't forced to do it in high school. North Carolina Coach Roy Williams will definitely demand it and I'm sure Barnes will respond to the challenge.
Barnes is the most celebrated boy's basketball player in the state of Iowa. This guy is a game changer. When people watch him they will discover why.
Look for Barnes to provide a major positive influence on the Tar Heels next season.
Williams certainly hopes Barnes becomes a vital ingredient in bringing North Carolina back to the top of the college basketball world again.
Are you looking forward to Barnes' career at North Carolina?
Barnes, a 6-7 wing talent, helped Ames, Iowa High School in crushing about every opponent the Little Cyclones faced the last couple seasons. When opponents played Ames (and battled Barnes), it was basically a question how large the Little Cyclones' victory margin would become.
Barnes can play anywhere on the floor: guard, forward or center. The guy has a great first step. He is fluid. He can rise and dunk. The potential seems unlimited.
Barnes will have his defensive game questioned in college. But most high school stars must focus more on that part of the game at the next level because they aren't forced to do it in high school. North Carolina Coach Roy Williams will definitely demand it and I'm sure Barnes will respond to the challenge.
Barnes is the most celebrated boy's basketball player in the state of Iowa. This guy is a game changer. When people watch him they will discover why.
Look for Barnes to provide a major positive influence on the Tar Heels next season.
Williams certainly hopes Barnes becomes a vital ingredient in bringing North Carolina back to the top of the college basketball world again.
Are you looking forward to Barnes' career at North Carolina?
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Carolina Blues
North Carolina won its third game in the ACC today. Yes, the same Carolina team that won the national championship last year and seem to compete for the title each season.
The victory over North Carolina State keep the Tar Heels out of last place in the conference. They are only 3-7 (14-11 overall).
Forget about defending the national championship , Carolina probably won't even make the tournament.
How bad Carolina has slipped this season came home to me about two weeks ago when it played Virginia in Chapel Hill. Virginia just crushed the Tar Heels in their backyard. Yes, that was surprising but something else caught my eye. Toward the end of the game coach Roy Williams put his deep reserves in. That act has happened many times before, but when they were doing the crushing. I then realized how far Carolina has fallen.
New players and injuries have plagued Williams' team. The Tar Heels are getting a taste of what average or below average teams often experience.
It's a sickness, but Carolina is having difficulty finding a cure. One problem is that the Tar Heels don't have much experience being sick.
Apparently, this season it is time for such experience.
The victory over North Carolina State keep the Tar Heels out of last place in the conference. They are only 3-7 (14-11 overall).
Forget about defending the national championship , Carolina probably won't even make the tournament.
How bad Carolina has slipped this season came home to me about two weeks ago when it played Virginia in Chapel Hill. Virginia just crushed the Tar Heels in their backyard. Yes, that was surprising but something else caught my eye. Toward the end of the game coach Roy Williams put his deep reserves in. That act has happened many times before, but when they were doing the crushing. I then realized how far Carolina has fallen.
New players and injuries have plagued Williams' team. The Tar Heels are getting a taste of what average or below average teams often experience.
It's a sickness, but Carolina is having difficulty finding a cure. One problem is that the Tar Heels don't have much experience being sick.
Apparently, this season it is time for such experience.
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