Anthony “Cat” Barber Picks N.C. State
Words. dimemag
Late last week, word was that Hampton (Va.) dynamo guard Anthony “Cat” Barber had cut his list of potential schools down to three – Kansas, Alabama and N.C. State.
Just days later, Cat made his call. From the Charlotte Observer:
Coach Mark Gottfried said N.C. State needed a great recruiting class for 2013, to build on the momentum of the NCAA tournament run from March and this year’s heralded freshmen class.
Anthony Barber got the Wolfpack off to a good start in the class of ’13 with his commitment Saturday. Barber, a 6-2 point guard from Hampton, Va., is ranked No. 9 in the class by Rivals.com, 11th by ESPN.
Barber wrote in a text message Saturday that he chose the Wolfpack over Kansas and Alabama.
“N.C. State is the perfect place for me to reach my potential and to compete for ACC championships and a national championship!” Barber wrote. “Coach Gottfried and (assistant) coach (Rob) Moxley made me believe we can be great.”
Barber, who averaged 21.3 points per game as a junior at Hampton High, has a chance at the prep honor next March.
Barber, who goes by the nickname “Cat,” jumped 15 spots this summer in the recruiting rankings with strong play on the AAU circuit, ESPN’s Dave Telep said. Telep said Barber, who plays for Boo Williams, was particularly effective at NBA Players Association Camp in June.
“He’s at the top of the heap in terms of ability to get in the lane,” Telep said. “The guy is fast and difficult to stay in front of.”
Here’s a mix of barber highlights from the Nike EYBL in Hampton from back in May:
