Harrison Barnes Announces Today

Harrison Barnes, the number one ranked player in the basketball class of 2010, announces today at 4:oo on ESPNU. The six finalists are Duke, North Carolina, Kansas, UCLA, Oklahoma, and Iowa State.

This has particular interest in ACC land as the most common consensus (though it could be very wrong; Barnes has been tight lipped about the whole process) is that it is down to Duke and UNC. Whichever program lands Barnes signs one of the best prospects in recent memory and one that has an already legendary work ethic. Barnes is most known around his high school for his 6 am conditioning workouts before he goes to school each and every day. Not bad for a high school senior that is already more talented than everyone else on the court.

If Duke signs Barnes they appear ready for another national championship run. With the signing of Kyrie Irving last week as their point guard of the future, getting Barnes would be the final piece of their puzzle going with the inside presence they have signed the past couple of classes. Simply put, if Duke DIDN'T win a national championship with Barnes (unless he is a one and done guy, which most think he is not) it would have to be considered at least a minor disappointment. That is how good this kid is.

If UNC lands Barnes it would be another huge signing for the Heels and a great piece for them getting Roy Williams his third ring in six or seven years. While this would not be as program defining for them as for Duke as Duke has slipped just a bit in recent years, it would be a huge commitment none the less. Roy Williams has been having great success on the recruiting trail since his arrival in Chapel Hill and getting Barnes would just help the steam engine to keep rolling down the tracks. However, Barnes would be the best player he would have signed in his five years in Chapel Hill and that is saying something.

Wherever he ends up will be huge for whatever program it is. If he does end up in ACC country the battles between the Blue Devils and Tar Heels will certainly be interesting over the next 2-3 years.