Harrison Barnes (tournament in Kansas)

cyismydog · 05-06-2008, 03:43 PM

Interesting thread about Harrison and Maymon going head to head.
Scout.com: Wisconsin Forums List

BryceC · 05-11-2008, 09:15 AM

Comment from a UW Badger fan who watched Barnes play at the Sabes invite -

I had a chance to watch Barnes and his team play twice today. Extremely impressed with Barnes. Here is what I posted elsewhere:

I also had an opportunity to watch Harrison Barnes play twice. His 16U team was playing up in the 17U division, and they were also missing one of their better players (AJ Derby). That said, the team lost a close one last night to a very good Howard Pulley team on Friday night, then won two today in finish pool play at 2-1. They are a pretty talented team, and play team ball the right way. Of the AAU teams I have seen, they are among the most disciplined, so this was a good setting to watch Barnes play.

I had never seen Barnes before today, but now I think I would say that, of all the 2009 and 2010 prospects UW is supposedly continuing to pursue, I would most like them to land Barnes. Barnes looks to be about 6’6” and has very long arms. I would not describe his body as mature yet, but it is certainly not a weakness for him. He will presumably fill out a bit more, but he is already close to college-ready. He is a very good athlete, smooth with good hops. He had a couple of monster dunks, one off an alley-oop and one two-hand tomahawk on a breakaway after a steal. He appears to be an ideal SF, as he does pretty much everything well. He is a very good ball-handler, and actually spent a decent amount of time playing PG in the games today. Barnes is also a solid passer, and is definitely not afraid to make the extra pass. As mentioned above, the team plays very good team basketball. He has a very nice-looking shot, as he at least one 3 in each game I saw. Very active on the offensive boards, which, combined with his long arms, allowed him to get a number of put backs. He was also pretty solid on the defensive end of the floor. He paid attention on defense, gave solid help, and was good on the ball because of his length and athleticism. I really hope UW makes a hard push to somehow land Barnes. He is a great prospect and would be make a fabulous class with Blue and Evan Anderson. Based on what I saw today and what I read about his performance last weekend in the Kansas event, I would guess that some real heavyweights (e.g. Kansas) will also show a great deal of interest. Should be interesting, as he is a very impressive prospect.

Bobber · 05-11-2008, 11:07 AM

Originally Posted by SpokaneCY

HB has lived in Ames his entire life and thats all he really knows. He's now finding out he can probably play anywhere in the country he wants. When I was his age, the thought of leaving home and beginning to make my own life was VERY appealing. If he signs with ISU then it will be very special but if he doesn't, it should have NO reflection on the job that GMac is doing.

Great Post! Absolutely correct.