Harrison Barnes (6-6, 182) Class of 2010, HS _ Ames Senior, Ames, IA AAU Team - All Iowa Attack

Barnes is the real deal.  He has a great overall package on the court.  He slashes to the rim, can take his man inside or out and is a capable rebounder.  His defense is really good for a young kid and he spaces and moves about the court well.  Plays within himself and is selfless.  He's bright, well mannered and attentive.  As a soph, he averaged 16.8 PPG.  He is in nearly everybodies 2010 Top Ten Prospects list.  He is being evaluated by Duke this week.
[private]

If someone had never seen you play, how would you describe your game?

I would just say that I can do anything I need for the team to win.  I can post up, go out to the perimeter, take the ball in, play defense.  I would sacrifice my time and stay on the bench or do whatever to help my team win.

Where are you in the recruiting process at this time?

Iowa State and Iowa have been on me for a long time being that I play in state.  Indiana, VCU, Maryland, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, USC have all offered.

Wow!  That's quite a list.  Are you open for anybody else to come in?

Oh yeah.

Are you hearing from other schools?  Who have you heard from of late?

LSU, Georgetown and Duke

What about Georgetown?

They just say that they want to talk to me.  They've called and expressed that they have interest in me.

What about Duke?

One of the coaches called recently.

Being from the Midwest, are you opposed to possibly going east?

Right now, I'm just waiting it out.  I haven't ruled out going far yet.  I am open to anyone.

What about your family, how would they feel about you leaving the area?

My Mom is okay with it.  She has always said it was my decision to make, so she will support me anywhere I go.

Do you come from a big family?

Just me and my Mom and my sister.

Where does education come into play?

It's top of the list.  It's ahead of basketball.  You can only play basketball for so long.

Have you thought about what you might want to take in college?

Business

Give me three words that best describes you as a person?

I'd say I'm personable, I'm a talker, I can talk ... communicate and I'm humble.

So, is there a timeline?  Will you take all five officials or will you make a choice when it feels right?

I'm just taking my time right now.  I am in no rush.

Who do you pattern your game after?

The skills?  Somebody like Durrant.

How tall are you right now?

I'm 6-6 ... 6-7

And you are how old?

I just turned 16.

So, you have a long ways to go ... a lot of big schools are coming at you now.  How do you stay grounded?

(At this time Travis McKie walked up and messed with Barnes)  I said, "Hey, you got your time," as he walked off.  Barnes stayed focused)

You just take it all in stride, one level at a time.

Do you go to a public school or a private school?

I go to a public school.

Do you have a preference in college?

As long as I get a good education ... that's all that matters.

Have you thought about being in classrooms that had like 130 as opposed to say 40?

I'd kind of like a small classroom.

Can you see yourself in the future and how you might use a business degree?

I just want to learn some managing skills and how money works in certain settings.  I'd just like to start my own business.  I would be willing to work in a larger firm until I figured out what I wanted.

What do you need to work on?

My dribbling so that I can play the 2 or 3 better in college.

Tell me one thing about Travis McKie that nobody knows?

(Looking at McKie who appeared again, laughing) Travis McKie, he's a punk.  Seriously, I have had a chance to meet a lot of people at the camps and it has been enlightening.

Thanks for your time!

Thank you.[/private]