Thought it was the opening week of ISU Basketball? Did you think this week would be all about Colorado and getting bowl eligible? Well if so, you are dead wrong. For better or for worse, this is Harrison Barnes Week Muthafuckas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok, I'm actually not all that hyped about it. Don't get me wrong. It's a huge story. If you're a Duke/UNC/KU/OU/UCLA fan, it's hard to explain. But in the midwest, especially in a smaller town like Ames, people have pride and are proud of those that are from here. To have a talent such as this who appears to have a level head, is down-to-earth, and is going to be a multi-millionaire in the near future, gets a lot of people excited. The people here want so desperatley for him to come to Iowa State, (even non-ISU fans) because it would be a big story for the state. It's so hard to explain if you've never lived in a place like Ames, or if you've always been a fan of the teams that get the top recruits every year.
I realize that the fans of the other programs are laughing at the idea that ISU would be in the mix. I don't blame them, nor do I disagree with them. In my mind, Iowa State is a long shot. Every place sounds more exciting and have a more proven track record.... If this was the late 1990s or early 2000s, I think ISU would be more of a legit choice, but this is 2009.
BUT
Just because I don't think he will come here, doesn't mean that I don't want him to. The problem that I am seeing is that details about Harrison Barnes' press conference have been made public. In short, it's on Friday the 13th, at 3pm, in the Ames High School Gym, is open to the public, and refreshments will be served. It will be aired on ESPNU Nationally, but on WOI/ABC in Central Iowa.
Fans are taking a somewhat normal situation and turning each detail into some "clue" about how Harrison Barnes will come to Iowa State. "If he wasn't going to ISU, why this even be open to the public, since most of the fans would be disappointed?", is a common theme right now. In my opinion, I think most in the audience would be polite, regardless. I think it's being open to the public because of the level of interest in the news, and because I'm sure ESPNU wants this to look like as big of an event as possible.
Another common theme amongst ISU fans is "If he isn't coming to Iowa State, why would he announce the day of ISU's opening tip?". Again, I'm thinking the reasoning is due to the fact that he can sign his LOI. Also, with productivity, I'm sure Ames High appreciates the fact that this is after school on Friday, so that everyone can come back ready to go on the following Monday.
That said, I can't wait for this day to happen. The level to which the rumors are growing to are crazy. We're talking about a 17 year old kid here. It's amazing how many grown ass men (borrowing from Charles Barkley) can have their lives revolve around something like this.
I also can't believe why Iowa State fans are taking the approach they are. Iowa State fans talk a lot about getting kicked in the nuts, or getting screwed. It does happen a lot. But, this is a situation in which it doesn't have to be a kick in the nuts. It's one thing to hope, it's another thing to turn these crazy hopes into expectations. I would advise Iowa State fans to check in curiously, but turn into this where your weekend will be ruined if he doesn't go to Iowa State?
I don't know. I think it's better to take this as a situation that would be positive if surprised us in picking ISU, but neutral if he didn't choose ISU. But then again, should we really be getting this worked up about where a 17 year old is going to play college basketball?
That said, the latest rumors are that it's between UNC, UCLA, and Iowa State. I personally think Duke is still a player, but from reading Harrison's visit to OU, I don't see why they'd still be in the mix.... But then again, people are better off just not guessing and taking the news any which-way.
So what are your thoughts? Is this a big issue for you? Will you be watching the news or attending the event at Ames High?
Personally, I'll be working, checking in online.
I'd love to talk about other things, but I know this is mainly what everyone cares about.... I mean, it IS Harrison Barnes Week......motherfucka!
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