By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
Harrison Barnes has elected to stay at North Carolina for one more season. He has informed the school that he will not enter the 2011 NBA Draft.
“Opportunities, both beneficial and life-changing, can seem to make the next phase of my journey [to the NBA] an easy decision,” Barnes said in a statement. “But I am a student-athlete at the University of North Carolina. I’m here to experience college life, grow as a person, receive a quality education and be part of the greatest basketball family in sports.
Harrison Barnes is seen here attempting to be blocked by Texas Longhorns J’Covan Brown (Getty Images)
Harrison Barnes is seen here attempting to be blocked by Texas Longhorns J’Covan Brown (Getty Images)
“The experiences I’ve enjoyed on and off the court will be invaluable. These experiences will help fuel my journey in the NBA and beyond. I look forward to meeting the challenging journey in the NBA, but my decision on Nov. 13, 2009, still holds true. I’m focused on being a student-athlete. And my decision is to continue this part of my journey at the University of North Carolina.”
This was a smart move, because he gets to develop as a player under one of the best coaches in college basketball in Roy Williams. Had he come out, he would have been the most mature player — but he will be the most mature player when he comes out after next season, as well.
Barnes is 18-years-old. With Barnes returning, the Tar Heels will have a stacked roster.
He could flourish with this move. Only time will tell if he made the right decision.
