Tag Archives: Harrison Barnes interview

Harrison Barnes sheds light on his summer plans in an interview with BDN

Harrison BArnes - copyright Blue Devil Nation
Harrison Barnes - copyright Blue Devil Nation

Can you explain the injury to your fingers?  What exactly happened?

I went up to block Marquis Teagues shot yesterday late in the game and I ripped off the side of my thumb and part of my nail and then I skinned the scab off when hitting the rim.

Well, it didn't hurt you that bad for you just tossed in 36 points.

I was trying to get a "w" out there.

The schools interested in you are out in full bloom, Duke, Kansas ... what are your thoughts on playing in front of them? [private]

Well, it shows that they have a lot of interest in me to watch me come out and play.

How much is the injury effecting your game?  Is it hard catching the ball?

No, it's just a searing pain when there is contact, but when the adrenaline is pumping, I hardly feel it.

When did you know you would play today?

Well, last night I didn't feel like I would be that effective today, but it got better.

Your team was 0-2 and now you have two straight wins.  Did you feel like you had to put the team on your back in the last game?

I knew we had to get a "w".  We had to go 3-2 to advance in the tournament to advance.

(DI) Did you feel more assertive today?

Well, I felt like I was more aggressive.

(DI) You went to Duke and UNC recently ...

I had never seen UNC, but I had heard a lot of great things, so it was good to go down there and see the players and the coaches.  Duke?  I have been to Duke many times so I am very familiar with their campus and it's very nice.

(TDD) What did you like about it, tell me about the Duke trip?

I would just say it is a very homey atmosphere.  Duke, the basketball players have a strong sense of family and Coach K really instills that in them, so it is a very homey place.  I am starting to see more of the coach player relationship.

There were eight national championships sitting over there on the sidelines looking at you, what do you think about that?

I consider  myself a winner and I like to see all those coaches and championships, but I would like to be a part of them some day.

When you get down to the nitty gritty with all these schools, what is important for you?

Academics is a big thing, a good business school and then basketball, how I might develop once I get there and the history.

Describe your game in your own words...

I would just say I am able to score, I have a good shot.  I'm able to pull up and spot up for a jump shot, but I also have the ability to put it on the floor.  On defense, I can really get up on people.  I am long and lanky and a really good defender.

(DI) It seems like you are getting double teamed more and more, how do you deal with that?

I am getting used to this and if I want to make that a profession, I have to get use to that.

You will take a little time off now, right?  You will play in the Nike Global Challenge?

That is correct I will play in that in August.  But I will be taking some time off.  I always thought the Global challenge is fun because you get to play against international competition.  We know where we are in the US, but seeing others across the globe and where they are at is a lot of fun.

Do you enjoy doing things with USA Basketball and is it something you hope to continue with as your career goes along?

I definetly hope so, because when you step on to the camp or AAU floor it is about yourself, but when you step on the Global stage you represent the United States.

And you will play in the Rucker ...

I am going to play in the 24, but that's it.ns

So, no more events like the Kansas Elite Camp?

No, I decided not to do any of that.

Good luck, Harrison.

Thank You. [/private]