This week, I'm going to share with you a story about one of Iowa's own.
From Ames, Iowa, Harrison Barnes. Harrison full name is Harrison Bryce Jordan
Barnes given the middle name "Jordan" after Michael Jordan, whom
Barnes' mother was a big fan of. While growing up, Harrison was known as a hard
worker and had much responsibility since his mother, Shirley, was a
single-parent raising him and his younger sister. His mother remembers the
self-motivation Harrison had while playing basketball at Ames High School.
"His whole high school career, he had a handwritten sign that was taped to
his mirror that said, 'Hungry and humble,'" she said. "He just always
wanted to be humble." "The biggest influence to me was my mom,"
Barnes said. "She worked extremely hard and she believed in me."
I, personally have witnessed just how humble Harrison is while playing
on the same AAU team, the Howard Pulley Panthers, a few summers ago. I would
describe him as a competitive guy who is willing to do whatever it takes for
his team to win. He never gives up and is willing to let you know he is all
about winning, but his off the court presence was the biggest thing that stood
out to me. Even though he is now an NBA basketball, he remains as humble as he
did in high school or college. He was never stuck up or cocky, but just a
normal guy who loves basketball.
Continuing his basketball legacy and his compassion for other people,
Harrison is a example of someone who has never forgot where they came from.
Shortly before the beginning of his rookie season, he took part in the Back to
School Rookie Reading Rally at Sobrante Park Elementary School in Oakland. I
myself have participated in a similar program here at UNI. It is a great
experience and I am excited to be partaking in it again on November 13th.
Today Harrison still considers himself as just a kid from
a small town. For every home game, Harrison donates 15 tickets to the Boys and
Girls Club, as a participant in this program when he was younger. He wanted to reach
out to the Bay Area Boys and Girls Club, where he resides, while not forgetting
about his Iowa club. He knew the impact the Boys and Girls Club had on him as a
young child, so he wanted to be sure to help others receive and achieve the
same benefits and opportunities he has had from the program. Harrison said
"I attribute so much of who I am and what I've become to (Iowa) just
because it kept me very humble," Barnes said. "It's helped me become
the player I am and the person I am". Continuing his connection with the
Warriors and the Boys and Girls Club, Harrison helped renovate the basketball
court to ensure the kids have the best condition facilities to get better every
day. Harrison was quoted saying "Maybe if I had a place like this to
practice at while growing up, I would have become a better player than I am
today".
Video below:
Below is a video of Harrison and kids playing and going through drills on the new court:
Video below:
Below is a video of Harrison and kids playing and going through drills on the new court:
Knowing that someone like Harrison or myself who cares about the
community in which we currently reside in almost as much as we do our hometowns
is very important. Without you, there is no us. With all the love and support that
is shown to basketball players, the least we can do is give our time back to
ensure that we truly do care about others. We're not just basketball players,
but are regular people. No matter what talent you were given, you can help to
continue to build your community as well. Never let anyone discourage from
being the one who is always willing to help others and get outside your comfort
zone. For that someone or community involvement you participate in will go a
long way.
A quote
that has stuck with me for quite some time is,
"I will forever remain humble because I know I could have less. I will
always be grateful because I know I've had less". -Author Unknown
If you want to read more on how I personally have given back to my
community click
here. If you’re interested in reading more on Harrison's involvement in the
Bay area or his hometown Ames click on one of the links below.
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