The Harrison Barnes Diary: Official visit to UCLA
Words. Harrison Barnes
While navigating through the hectic recruiting process, HighSchoolHoop’s top-rated player, Ames High (IA) swingman Harrison Barnes, agreed to chronicle his thoughts for us during each of his five official visits. First was North Carolina, followed by Oklahoma, Kansas and Duke. Now Barnes reflects on his last official visit to UCLA last weekend…
First, I would like to say that the UCLA trip was outstanding! When I visited there unofficially this summer, I got a chance to tour the athletic facilities, meet with academic advisors and attend a class, so we didn’t focus on that for this trip.
It gave me a lot more time to spend with Coach (Ben) Howland and his staff. They always said that they were going to recruit me until I signed, and it was truly refreshing to see how they approached my recruitment. They were able to show me the whole UCLA family in its current state, as well as the rich tradition of the past. I got to see how active they are in the community, campus life and just everything going on there. One of the best parts about this trip was that it gave me a chance to hang out with Coach Howland and just bond with him.
So Friday night, Oct. 30, I arrived at LAX and I was greeted by Coach Howland. He took me to the Century Plaza, which is supposed to be a really big deal. When the President comes to L.A., apparently that’s where he stays. It was real plush, just very nice … almost like a delicacy. It was impressive.
We started Saturday around noon and went to Third St. Promenade in Santa Monica for lunch, and that was really cool to just walk around in Cali and see all of the different lifestyles and diversities in the community.
After that we went to watch the team practice. It was different for me to see how intense their practices were and how engaged Coach Howland was. It showed me how dedicated he was to making sure that his players do well. I got to see how his players responded, and that was good. The emphasis was on defense. The key was that defense wins games.
After practice I had dinner with the assistants and the players, and my mom had dinner with Coach Howland and his family. Then I went out with the players and had a chance to enjoy some of the social aspects of the university. Since it was Halloween there were a lot more things going on, especially at some of the frat houses. My hosts were Malcolm Lee and Tyler Honeycutt, and they were cool guys.
Sunday we started with the Dribble for the Cure event, which was where us and a lot of kids in the community got basketballs and dribbled around campus to raise money for a cure for cancer. It was a really cool experience. The kids really looked up to the UCLA players.
After that we had lunch at the Chancellor’s house. That was a good experience to have a conversation with him and his wife. We talked about the university and the rich tradition academically and athletically. That was refreshing.
After that I went to see the UCLA women scrimmage, while my mom and sister were taken to see sights around L.A., Beverly Hills and Hollywood. They also got a chance to go to the Santa Monica beach and pick seashells. They really enjoyed that.
When we were done there we went over to Coach Howland’s to watch the game and have dinner. I have to say that he knows his way around the grill. He made a very good steak! Then I got a chance to hang out with the players at Westwood Village. That was cool.
But Monday morning was probably the most special morning because I got a chance to have breakfast with Coach Howland, Coach John Wooden and his daughter. That was an unreal experience! Just sitting in front of Coach Wooden, who in my opinion is the greatest coach in sports history, was awesome. I was just listening to him quote literature and quote other great leaders … it was exciting.
One of his favorite quotes was from Abraham Lincoln: “It’s better to remain silent and be thought a fool then to speak out and remove all doubt.” That really hit home. Those were like words of wisdom. But it was really fun to be eating with him and see him in his environment. He was still cracking jokes at age 99! It was just a really fun time. I really enjoyed that.
After that I met with the academic coordinator, and as we were finishing up the meeting, Kevin Love stopped in because he was having lunch with the academic coordinator that day. Then we had a quick tour of campus, I had a final meeting with Coach Howland, and we headed back to the airport.
That concluded my official visit tour! I will do an unofficial to Iowa State today (Friday). I have enjoyed all of the officials, but it’s going to be good to make a decision next week.
Well, I’ll let you guys know all about the Iowa State visit next week.
GO CYCLONES! COME TO IOWA STATE HARRISON!
The ISU family cannot wait to see you this weekend Mr Barnes!
yo harrison, i’m really happy for you, and i’mma let you finish your visits, but Kansas has the best coach and program of all-time!
Hey Kanye, Bill Self the greatest coach of all time?!? One championship (congrats), but Bucknell and Bradley say “hello”.
Smokin’
I do not have a dog in this fight but I think the statement he was making is that Bill Self is the best coach in the game today and the Kansas has the best program of all time. I’m not sure I agree with those statements but it could defiantly be argued that Bill Self is as good a teacher and coach as there is in the game today and the Kansas program is one of the 3 or 4 best of all time. It just happens that Harrison is looking at all of them.
I do not know who your team is but your jealousy makes you look small.
Harrison, you’ve had a great experience going through the recruitment process. You’ve seen some great schools and talked to some great people. Its something few of us can ever imagine. Bring the knowledge you have obtained back home and help lead Iowa State basketball to new heights.
Ames and Hilton Coliseum are home, go Cyclones and go H40!
To the other commenters – if HB doesn’t pick UNC, I’m pulling for you all the way!
Harrison:
As a Carolina alum, and putting on my non-partisan goggles, I’ll let you know that you would be a great statesman and asset to the campus community and to the tradition that is second to none. Keep doing the positive things that you are and respecting the process as you’ve done. All the best in your decision-making.
Jay
We want you at KU with your name in the rafters next to Chamberlain and Pierce!!!
UCLA knows the importance of hospitality
I REALLY hope Harrison goes to Duke but the kid seems like a terrific person and I wish him luck wherever he choses to play ball.
Harrison writes better than most sports writers, and he’s in HS. Hope you enjoyed all your visits, but no school has the ball and books like Duke!!!!! Come on Harrison!!!!
Go to UCLA. Go for an NCAA Championship there.
There is no place like DUKE!!!! GO TO DUKE HARRISON!!!!
Harrison,
I am a die-hard Duke fan and hope you are wearing Duke Blue!!! That said, I wish you the best wherever you go. You have handled recruiting process with poise and class. You are and will be a role model for others. There is no doubt that you will be successful at what you do in life. Thank you for the opportunity to follow your posts.
Best of luck and Go Duke.
Harrison,
Once again, great summary. You truly are wise beyond your years. There are not many young men as talented as you who would appreciate a 99-year-old legend quoting (arguably) the greatest President in our Country’s History and have the maturity to know how important that moment could mean in your life. I would love to see you in a Duke uniform also because you would gain so much from a Duke education, but you have shown that you demand respect from all the fan bases in your recruitment. You are pure-class and I look forward to seeing you play Division 1 ball where ever it may be. Good luck this week.
I like reading about your visits and would love seeing you play in Bruin Blue.
Come to Cali and be a BRUIN!
Good luck with your decision, and regardless what anyone says… make the best decision for you to develop as a player and you can be yourself…
and whatever program offers you a lot to set you up AFTER basketball…
Business?… hmmm UNC
Outstanding, young man.
The only wrong decision in all of this would be to change the way you’ve approached the game. I’m certain you’ll do well wherever you go.
Best of luck.
Wow. Impressive writing from a kid in high school. Harrison sounds poised, mature, and sophisticated. Sounds like a kid who would fit at a place like UCLA with their tradition of leaders and athletes like Jackie Robinson, Arthur Ashe, Kareem Abdul Jabbar. All the school are great, but I truly hope he goes a place that can nurture his talents.
UNC IS THE PLACE TO B, ITS THE 1ST, 2ND AND 3RD CHOICE!! GOOD LUCK KID WHERE EVER U G. IF U DONT PICK UNC I’M COOL WITH THAT, JUST DONT PICK DUKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THE COMPUTER JUST MESSED UP MY WHOLE WORDING!!
Regardless of wherever you go; I think you should definitely be there for Coach Wooden’s 100th birthday party. He’s a living legend who blesses us all with the keys to success.
We all know you’re a one and done. When you make your choice think about where you will get immediate playing time and the best pro contacts.
you should go to ucla, play with josh smith and malcolm lee. championships made there.
What a fantastic experience. UCLA sounds like a fine place to visit.I suppose there’s more to the college experience than just athetics. Since your from a small town, maybe a big city would benefit you a lot more. You could amplify your outlook on life at a faster pace and see how the other half lives.
Harrison…As impressed as I am with your skills on the hardwood, I am equally as impressed with your mature disposition. As a native Angeleno and die-hard UCLA fan, I hope you decide on growing as a basketball player and as a man in Westwood. Reading your teenage words bespeaks your bright future not just in basketball but in life. The UCLA and Los Angeles network affords unique benefits as a conduit to the NBA as well as life after basketball. Whichever college you choose, you’ve made a fan of me. I wish you the best of luck.
Come to KU Harrison! KU gives you the best of both worlds: You get to play for a National Title Contender, and you’re close to home and family.
You need to come to UCLA!! Please oh Please!! Josh Smith from Oregon announced hes going to UCLA today. If you come too, lol lol! Can you say national title!! Lets go Bruins!!! Hope to see you in Bruin blue!
Oh and lets not forget about the SoCal women dude! UCLA is where its at!
Harrison you are a smart man and understand that Coach Williams is not about teaching defense which is something you love. Bill Self will help you become the #1
draft pick and you will be close to home but not too close. You are a winner so come to the most winning program right now. You can help us win 2 championships in a row and become a legend at the Phog. Go KU Rock Chalk baby!!!
Hey Harrison…the Bruin family would love to see you play at Pauly Pavilion and continue the tradition and legacy of UCLA.
You are a very talented player. I would personally love to see you play for UCLA. However, your maturity have been quite impressive and I will wish you the best of luck where ever you end up.
You are positioning yourself very well for the NBA. The big press conference Friday is genius. If you go to Iowa State, you will immediately be the big star of the team. At other schools, you run the risk of having to compete with your own teammates for the NBA limelight (or maybe even having to sit on the bench for a year or so before you get quality floor time). At Iowa State, you are an immediate starter. All the attention you are getting now transfers right into your first year of college and on to the NBA whenever you want.
Enjoyed following your diary and never wanted to be one to encourage you this way or that, but now I can say I’m happy you are heading to my alma mater. Over the next few years UNC is set at 1,2 and maybe 4 and 5 positions, but certainly a stellar 3 was the final piece to the National Championship puzzle. You will get a fine education at UNC and it is very doable in 3 years. Best of luck to you!