Life on the road can be hectic for high school basketball players on the summer circuit. With multiple tournaments, camps, and clinics all over the country, a little time with the family and rest is something that is welcomed with open arms when the opportunity arises. As is the case with the ESPNU #1 ranked player Harrison Barnes.
Barnes is has been easily one of the more impressive players in the 2010 class this summer. He has looked dominant at times, and clearly showed why he deserves to be considered the top player in his class. His unique ability to score both inside and outside, combined with his high basketball IQ, has set him apart from some other players in his class. Now, the Ames, Ia native will have the opportunity to just relax before playing in the Boost Mobile Elite 24 in New York City next month.
There were many fans in the Kansas City area that hoped to get their first glipse of Barnes since he played in the Jayhawk Invitational in Lawrence, Kansas in May. Unfortunately for those fans, Barnes has decided to take the rest of the month off to get some rest and to just have some family time.
“No I’m not,” Barnes said via text of playing in the Hoops City Classic Top 24 this week. “Yes, and time with my family,” Barnes said of taking the rest of the month off.
As for when Barnes will look at his current list of schools and start looking to narrow his list down, Barnes suggested it will be after next month before that happens.
“After August,” said Barnes of when he will look to narrow his list down.
Barnes as no shortage of college basketball powerhouses hoping that he ultimately decides that their school is the one for them. Along with Kansas, Barnes lists North Carolina, Duke, Stanford, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Iowa State, Florida, and Minnesota among others. With such a lengthy list of great schools and great programs, Barnes could find it very difficult to narrow his list down in September.
In regards to a rumor that is being spread throughout the Internet that Barnes has already determined that he is Duke bound, Barnes was quick to respond about the rumor.
“That is false,” Barnes said of the rumor.
Barnes now has the opportunity to just hang out and be a 17 year old kid with his family and friends back home in Iowa until he is back on the court in August. Shortly after that, coaching staffs and fans from all over the country will eagerly be waiting to see if their school remains on his list.
Here is the latest Scouts, Inc. Evaluation of Harrison Barnes
July, 2009:Barnes had some dominant possessions today (LeBron James Skills Academy). He displayed all around scoring ability. He knocked down open three’s, attacked the lane and finished through contact and hit the mid range pull up. Barnes is a silky smooth player. He doesn’t waste motion or energy. He never lets the defense speed him up. He simply takes his time and makes scoring plays repeatedly and competes on both ends of the floor. Not flashy just productive. Barnes length and smooth stroke allows him to knock down shots over smaller defenders with ease and he does a great job setting up his mid range jumper with a nice shot fake to raise the defender. He is a good rebounder on both ends and has the ability to lead the break and go coast to coast. Good ball handler and passer when he draws multiple defenders. Smart defender that uses a safe distance from live dribbles to keep the ball in front of him and does a great job of using his length and athletic ability to contest shots. Explosive above the rim finisher in transition with excellent hang time and concentration on the rim in the lane. Smooth skilled wing.
