University of North Carolina Athletics
Harrison Barnes Named Prep Athlete Of The Year
December 17, 2009 | Men's Basketball
Dec. 17, 2009
University of North Carolina signee and Ames (Iowa) basketball star Harrison Barnes, who emerged this year as one of the country's most sought-after recruits, is Sporting News' 2009 High School Athlete of the Year.
The 17-year-old Barnes gained national notoriety in November when he announced -- via Skype -- he'd sign with Roy Williams' North Carolina Tar Heels. That, he said, went down as his highlight of the year.
"After being recruited three years, and all the research that went into it, all the relationships that were made, everything my family had gone through and I'd gone through, to be completely confident in my decision was -- and is -- unbelievable," Barnes told SN.
Barnes signed his official NCAA letter of intent last month and will join the Tar Heel program for the 2010-11 season.
His 2009 also included a spectacular season on the court -- Barnes averaged 19.7 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game for a state championship team.
Barnes joins New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera (pro) and Texas quarterback Colt McCoy (college) as SN's athletes of the year. The new issue of the magazine features Sporting News Conversations with all three athletes of the year.
For the complete interview, pick up the new copy of Sporting News Magazine, which arrives later this week at all Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
