Harrison Barnes NOT playing in Ankeny - May 15-17

**CyRide3** · 05-15-2009, 08:56 AM

Heard this morning that Harrison will not be playing this weekend in the Midwest Festival of Teams in Ankeny.

The team is good and has one of his Ames High teammates, Riley Stuve on it, but if you are only going to see Harrison he will not be playing.

**Tornado man** · 05-15-2009, 05:48 PM

Originally Posted by CyRide3

Heard this morning that Harrison will not be playing this weekend in the Midwest Festival of Teams in Ankeny.

Thanks for the heads-up. Jake is saying on KXNO right now that Harrison this week decided to break away almost completely from AIA, and Sullivan too.
This does not bode well for ISU's chances anymore, IMO. This is big news.

**Drive4cy** · 05-15-2009, 05:50 PM

I can see why HB would do this but that's tough. I feel bad for Jake.

**cyclonesyayaya** · 05-15-2009, 06:03 PM

Sullivan break away from AIA.. or HB breaking away from Jake???

**goldmember** · 05-15-2009, 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by cyclonesyayaya

Sullivan break away from AIA.. or HB breaking away from Jake???

HB is leaving AIA. That sucks for Jake. I wonder who is pushing Barnes away? Jake inferred that some people are advising him away from AIA.

**ajk4st8** · 05-15-2009, 06:11 PM

Does he have another team lined up?

**cyclonesyayaya** · 05-15-2009, 06:14 PM

It greg mcdermott pulling him away from AIA.

**cyismydog** · 05-15-2009, 06:18 PM

Originally Posted by ajk4st8

Does he have another team lined up?

No inside info on this one, but my educated guess would be Howard Pulley.

**cybsball20** · 05-15-2009, 11:33 PM

Originally Posted by goldmember

HB is leaving AIA. That sucks for Jake. I wonder who is pushing Barnes away? Jake inferred that some people are advising him away from AIA.

Have the "handlers" gotten to Barnes now too?

**CyRide3** · 05-16-2009, 07:46 AM

Originally Posted by cybsball20

Have the "handlers" gotten to Barnes now too?

I don't think so. Intel sources tell me it's simply a schedule conflict. The goal was to always play at the highest level and against the best competition. The camps and the three elite Nike tournaments he's playing with Howard Pulley were approved by Jake prior to Harrison accepting those invitations. The tournaments are only a small part of the Attack program. Harrison is still involved with other people and area within the program.

As I look at the Attack schedule he would have only been able to compete with them at the end of July, so I'm not at all alarmed with his decision. Sounds like the kid needs rest. The Attack will be fine without him, plus it gives the other kids an opportunity to increase their stock and get looks.

Ames Tribune > Ames Tribune > Sports

**CDN_Tailgater** · 05-16-2009, 10:02 AM

I think Jake might have gotten over his head. Its a pretty well know fact he did not fully endorse HB to Mac and ISU. He tried to roll with the big boys but was in over his head. I think if Jake had been more supportive of HB going to ISU, this would may not have happened. Mac and staff may had played a better roll in keeping Barnes at AIA, but they probably feel their chances arent any better if HB plays AAU here or there.

**mj4cy** · 05-16-2009, 10:39 AM

I think HB will go where he wants to go regardless of who does what. He is a very mature young man and will make the best decision for him.

As for our MBB, we need to focus on next year. We have lots of pieces coming back and if they fit just right, there will be some fun times ahead!