SIKIDS.com Q&A: Harrison Barnes

The 2010 Jordan Brand Classic -- an annual All-Star game for some of the top high school basketball players in the world -- was held last week in New York City, and when the players arrived in the Big Apple, SIKIDS.com was there to chronicle what happened!

Keep reading for a Q&A I conducted with Harrison Barnes*, the No. 1 high school player in the country (according to ESPNU). We discuss his basketball future (Barnes will be attending the University of North Carolina this fall), his hobbies, and a whole lot more! Also, be sure to check back later in the week for more pics and videos from the 2010 JBC, as well as my performance grades for all the players in the East vs. West game...

SIKIDS.com: What made you select North Carolina as they school you’d play ball at next year?

Harrison Barnes:

SIK: UNC had a rough season last year (losing to Dayton in the NIT Championship game after failing to make the NCAA Tournament). Were you worried about their struggles on the court when making your decision?

HB:

SIK: How important were academics to you, in comparison to basketball, when you were trying to decide where to go? Sometimes, school can take a backseat for someone with your talent level…

HB:

SIK: Not quite.

might

SIK: So it’s safe to say that if basketball doesn't work out, or even if it does, when you’re done with the game, there’s a future in business for you?

HB:

SIK: If you could apply a business model to the North Carolina hoops team next year, what would be the keys to a profitable season?

Hmm… we definitely need more production [laughs]. Our company was not producing last year! That starts with bringing in new employees, aka this year’s recruiting class. Not sure what would relate to a good budget… our budget would just be winning games! We need to stick to a steady diet of winning games.

SIK: Another portion of the budget could be devoted to managing minutes on the floor to get maximum results?

HB:

SIK: Business model aside, how do you think the team will fare next season?

HB:

SIK: What do you do to fill the time when you’re not on the court or in the classroom?

HB:

SIK: What’s your favorite book?

Driven From Within

SIK: What makes that your favorite book?

HB:

SIK: Are those lessons you’ve tried to follow as you’re walking your own path?

HB:

*In case you're not familiar with Mr. Harrison Barnes... he's the goods. 6'8", 210 lbs., can play in the paint or from behind the three-point line... the goods.