Sports

Ames Native Barnes of UNC Will Go Pro

UNC Tar Heels announced that Harrison Barnes and two other teammates will leave school early.

University of North Carolina Atheltics communications office announced Thursday that three players, including Ames native and sophomore forward Harrison Barnes, will enter the 2012 NBA Draft.

Junior forward John Henson and sophomore point guard Kendall Marshall will leave school early as well.

Barnes, an  2010 graduate, scored 1,228 points in 75 games, an average of 16.4 per game.  

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Barnes led the Ames High Little Cyclones to back-to-back undefeated seasons and two state championships in Iowa's Class 4A Basketball.

 “I’m honored and blessed to have the opportunity to compete in the NBA,” Barnes said in the prepared statement.

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“The love and respect I have for basketball fuel the drive toward my ultimate goal – to experience an illustrious career in the NBA. I have consulted with Coach Williams and my family, and although it was a difficult decision, I have decided to enter this year’s NBA draft."

Click for highlights of Barnes when he played with the Little Cyclones.

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