Tar Heel head coach Roy Williams had to be elated. "He had a difficult decision to make," Williams said. "He really had no wrong decision to choose, but I believe he is coming back to school because he enjoys college basketball, he enjoys the University of North Carolina and he enjoys his teammates. If he had decided to leave for the NBA, that would have been OK, too, because he will always be a Tar Heel. But it will certainly be a lot of fun to coach him again." The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft is April 24.
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| Get Ready Duke, He's Coming Back |
"As an 18-year-old, I'm in the early stages of my life journey," Barnes said in a statement. "I'm honored and blessed for the chance to play in the NBA. And because of my family, teachers, passion, and work, I have the ultimate dream of one day playing and experiencing a fulfilling career in the NBA."
If you ever met the young man, this is not totally unexpected. He's been doing the unordinary for years. I first saw him as a freshman for the Ames High Little Cyclones. He was inserted into the lineup early in a game against Indianola. As I watched him approach the scorers table, I was struck by his gait. He was patient, assured and confident. And that has been his modus operandi ever since.
During the next few years of high school Barnes led the Little Cyclones to two state championships. He could have averaged 30 points a game, but that wasn't Harrison. He made those around him better and he got everyone involved. A true team player. Last May, I heard him speak at the Iowa Fellowship of Christian Athletes Annual Banquet. Again, he was patient, assured and confident. He spoke of the road ahead and the expectations that were being placed on him. Yet undaunted, he spoke of God's control in his life. He knew a plan was in place. Weeks before, Barnes had jilted many in the state of Iowa with his decision to attend North Carolina rather than stay at home and play for the hometown Iowa State Cyclones. While many scoffed at the decision, it became apparent the right one was made. The packed FCA banquet saw the presence of a young man headed for great things....and they knew it.
Last fall, Barnes was named a pre-season All-American. The hype had begun. Never before had an incoming freshman had such an honor dating back to when the team was announced before the 1986-87 season.
The 2010-11 basketball season started slowly for the freshman star. Barnes struggled in the early part, but he remained patient, assured and confident. By mid-season, he was "settling in" to his role and feeling more comfortable. He was making those around him better....and so was the team. By regular season's end, North Carolina was riding his heroics. Then came the NCAA's.
An Elite Eight match-up with Kentucky mirrored much of the talented freshman's season. He struggled early then caught fire late, scoring eight straight at one point as the Tar Heels clawed back into it. Yet he faltered in the final minute, missing two key 3-point shots down the stretch. Kentucky advanced to the Final Four with a 76-69 win. Barnes offered a determined response. "All I know is the last two years I played basketball it ended with a championship, not a loss," he said. "I never felt like this before."
I'd think that bitter pill loss had much to do with Barnes ultimate decision to stay with the Tar Heels. I know many are thinking he should taken the millions and head to the NBA. But not this young man. He knows God has a plan for him. And he's sticking to it.
Thanks for reading,
John
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