Mail Day with JJ (Irving, Harrow, Selby, and more)
Words. Jason Jordan
Ryan Harrow
Jason Jordan has fielded all of your e-mails and tackles each of these questions and more in this installment of “Mail Day with JJ.”
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Harrow’s Apology
So it looks like Ryan Harrow (Walton High, Ga.) got a lot of backlash from his comments in your article saying he was the best in the class. He even released an official apology to Wolfpackhoops.blogspot.com after getting slammed for being cocky. What are your thoughts on this?
- DonJuan, reppin A-Town (Ga.)
DonJuan, first let me commend you on having the coolest name I’ve come across in an e-mail thus far. Only in “the A…”
Now about Ryan’s apology, I absolutely understand where he’s coming from. He’s right on the cusp of making the McDonald’s All-American game and he can’t afford to wear the “stuck-up” label. First off, the kid is FAR from being cocky. I’ve talked to him a lot since the beginning of the summer and have never gotten that vibe. Contrarily, he’s pretty humble. Second, he never said that he was the best in the class; he said he “felt” like he was the top point guard in the class. Third, and I swear I won’t do another cheesy number thing after this one, is what he said REALLY cocky? Here’s the controversial part of the article:
As for point guards, Harrow answers “yes” in a quick, no-brainer tone when asked if he thinks he tops the list. “I do everything that the point guard has to do,” says Harrow. “Take Brandon Knight. He’s a great player, but he doesn’t pass the ball. Joe Jackson is good, but he doesn’t pass. I can pass, I dribble better than both of them, I shoot better than Joe … I haven’t seen Kyrie (Irving) play so I don’t know about him, but I feel like I’m on top.”
Being a realist, I respect real statements. Let’s take it point by point:
- Ryan DOES do everything that a point guard is supposed to do (pass, defend, break down the defense, knock down jump shots, penetrate and lead vocally and by example).
- Brandon Knight IS a great player, but no one would tell you that passing is his thing. Same for Joe Jackson, who DOESN’T shoot as well as Ryan.
- YES, given that both Brandon and Joe are gifted ball handlers, Ryan’s handles are stronger.
So by my count, Ryan was absolutely right on all counts. At the same time I totally understand his need to clear things up.
What you have to ask yourself is this: Is Ryan in the conversation for being the top point guard in 2010? The answer is yes. He’s one of five or six, and if you’re in the conversation for the top spot, you’re SUPPOSED to say you’re the best. It’s like getting into a fight. If it’s even remotely close, “I won!” Now being from the A, I know you feel me on that.
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Irving to Duke… Or Kentucky?
I read your article on Kyrie Irving (St. Patrick’s High, N.J.) where you said that he was likely going to commit to Duke on his visit this past weekend or shortly after. But I heard that Kentucky is actually the frontrunner, which I pray is the truth! Help me out, JJ!
- Ronnie Daley, Chicago (Ill.)
You may want to reevaluate some things in your personal life my friend, because it looks like you’re getting out-prayed by the devil… The Blue Devil. Kyrie’s going to Duke. The only question is when. I can tell you that when he does announce it will be in style, let’s just say that. If it helps you sleep at night, you guys are a major player with Brandon Knight. That’s a heck of a consolation prize if you can pull it off. Stay up.
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Selby not feeling the Huskies?
What’s going on with Josh Selby’s (Lake Clifton-Eastern High, Md.) recruitment? And did he really eliminate Connecticut? If so, he must not watch college hoops! Dude would be a pimp under Calhoun. Talk to me Jay-Jay!
- Chris Wallace, New Haven (Conn.)
I just talked to Josh’s mom, Maeshon Witherspoon, today and she told me that your boys did indeed get axed from the list. Honestly, that surprised me a little because I agree that Connecticut’s style was perfect for Josh and in previous conversations with Maeshon she seemed in awe of Connecticut, even referring to it as the “Mecca” of college hoops. OK, I’m not helping you cope, am I? The six that made the cut are Kansas, Syracuse, Miami, Indiana and Baylor.
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How good is Gilchrist?
Is Michael Gilchrist (St. Patrick’s High, N.J.) really like THAT? What I’m saying is, is he really as good as Harrison Barnes? People say this guy is the No. 1 player in the country, period. I know you all have him ranked pretty high. And where’s he gonna end up?
- Eric Wright, Brooklyn (N.Y.)
We’ve got Mike ranked No. 3 in our top 50, which as you know disregards class, so do I think his game is like THAT? In a word, yes!
This kid truly doesn’t have a weakness. He does everything, at least, good. I watched him lead Team Final to the Tournament of Champions title this spring over a loaded CP3 squad. Mike torched Reggie Bullock, P.J. Hairston and Dezmine Wells, all of which are ballers. He and Harrison went head up at the NBA Top 100 Camp this summer. Mike won the first half and Harrison was better in the second half, even though Mike got hurt and sat halfway through. Harrison ended the game with 16 points and Mike had 14 points. As for his recruitment, Villanova is a major player, as is Kentucky. From what I hear those two are standing out at this point, while Texas continues to make up ground. Mike visited Michigan this past weekend and Rutgers a few weeks ago. Hope that helps.
Got a burning question for Jason? Email him: JasonJ@DimeMag.com
Jason,
Harrison Barnes seems to be playing his recruitment very close-to-the-vest, and no major recruiting analysts have been willing to state on the record where the believe he will end up. If you had to bet the house on one school, would it be the long-favored Blue Devils, the recently surging Heels, or a sleeper like Kansas or OU?