Harrison Barnes: D-Day

This week, college basketball started slowly but surely across America.  It will be a few months until March Madness kicks into high gear, but that doesn’t mean there is a lack of drama.

Today is Decision Day for the #1 recruit in the high school senior class, Harrison Barnes of Ames, Iowa.  By all indications, Barnes is a top notch player, student and citizen, and there are still 6 schools in the running for his services: UNC, Duke, Iowa State (his hometown school), UCLA, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

The recruiting battle has been particularly fierce along Tobacco Road, as both Coach K and Roy have been on the hunt with special fervor for young Barnes.  The only thing that’s working harder is the rumor mill - you can find a rumor for just about any of the schools mentioned above.  You can get a sense for the interest in the signing by searching for “Harrison Barnes” in Twitter Search - you see there’s quite a few fans waiting on pins and needles for an 18 year old’s decision.

The suspense ends today - Barnes has a press conference at 4PM eastern that will be televised live on ESPNU, and streamed live online here.

What’s all the fuss about you might ask?  Check out the video below and see why UNC or Duke would be an instant top 5 pick for next year if they can get Mr. Barnes’ commitment today.