Ht/Wt: 6-8 / 215 lbs
Position: SF
Team: North Carolina
Class: Sophomore

2012 Draft Profile - Harrison Barnes

Even after an impressive final stretch to the season last year Barnes made the wise decision to return to Chapel Hill even though he probably could have been a top 10 pick last year, despite much of his season being considered a disappointment because of high expectations. Barnes profiles as a potential #1 scoring option for an NBA team with a high ceiling. His game took off last year when he had a true pg in Marshall inserted in the starting lineup. Harrison also has the makeup of a guy that you wouldn’t mind being a face of your franchise. He has a strong work ethic, and carries himself well on and off the court. As a player Harrison is a long 6ft8 215lbs, he has a good outside shot, he has a high, quick release which helps him get his shot off in half court sets, he has good form and is accurate even from deep. Harrison has a good first step to create space and he is a very smooth and graceful athlete which helps him get his shot off in one on one, as well as make plays around the basket on tip ins or lobs. With his length and agility Barnes will be good at using screens and cutting to spots on the floor to get good looks. Harrison has a scorer’s mentality, and a good confidence to his game. He is a shoot first player but I wouldn’t say that he is selfish. He has the arsenal to score in half court or up tempo offense.

Harrison Barnes is a very streaky outside shooter. His one on one game is good but not great so I think for being known as a scorer he may struggle vs top defenders at the position. He is better playing with a good PG that will create shots for him. Barnes has not showed a lot of versatility outside of scoring.

I think what people really like about Harrison is his attitude and heart for the game. It makes him a relatively safe prospect. Going into college people described Harrison as a Carmelo Anthony/ Paul Pierce level prospect. I don’t see him having quite the one on one game that they have, but I think with the right pg over time as Harrison continues to add to his game he can be a top scorer in the NBA. I think Danny Granger/ Rudy Gay are good comparisons at this point.
Player profile submitted by: Tom Patterson

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2011 Draft Profile - Harrison Barnes

Big time smooth athlete, that doesn't force the issue. Takes low risk high reward shots. He has one and done potential and is expected to rejuvenate Tar Heel Country.

Barnes shows the ball IQ to take what the defense gives him and has a very polished mid range shot. Quick pull up off the bounce, whether it's one or two dribbles.

Solid form and rotation that shows he has the work ethic to develop a jumper at early stage. His game reminds me of Rudy Gay but not as athletic. Barnes stood out during a North Carolina Pro Am during summer ball, showing glimpses of why many talent evaluators think he will be the top pick of the 2011 draft (a very fair projection that I agree with). Tremendous upside to a possible NBA All Star in the making.
Player profile submitted by: Monta Williams

Barnes came into this year with lofty expectations, garnering preseason All-American honors. He wasn’t able to live up to the hype in the beginning of the season, but has come along strong as of late. He is a very smooth player, who can make the game look easy at times. He has a great perimeter jump shot, with a great stroke that can extend to the NBA three. He’s long and athletic, but not very explosive, making him an average defender. Barnes is very fundamentally sound, with a high basketball IQ. He’s not afraid to take the big shot, and has shown his ability to come up big at the end of games.

As NBA ready as he might be, it did take him awhile to become assertive at the college level, and it might take him longer to feel comfortable at the higher, NBA level. He has a slim frame, and could benefit from adding more muscle. For his size he needs to develop some sort of post game, which he hasn’t shown all year. He doesn’t attack the rim as much as scouts would like, but he does have the potential to do so. Most scouts are hoping he doesn’t turn into another Marvin Williams.
Player profile submitted by: Michael Saxton of saxhoopstalk.wordpress.com

Harrison Barnes Videos

Harrison Barnes Highlights 2011-2012


Harrison Barnes HD Mix 11/12


Harrison Barnes Mix - North Carolina Highlights


Harrison Barnes Highlights UNC


Harrison Barnes - UNC (Dunk of the Year Nominee)






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