HighschoolHoop.com (powered by Dime Magazine) is running a pretty interesting and telling article about Ryan Harrow and his motivation to become the nations top point guard. We reported earlier that Harrow was being considered as a participant in this top tier event which brings the nations top 24 players to Rucker Park to compete. We also reported that unfortunately Ryan was overlooked. This small bump in the road of a very successful summer, was not all that small in the mind of Harrow.
“I had been hearing all summer that I was made for that game,” says Harrow. “I never thought I wasn’t going to be picked. I was pretty shocked.”
The article also highlights the fact that Ryan has moved into their top 50, at number 27. What's different about Highschoolhoops.com rankings is that they do not rank players by class, instead ranking as an overall top 50. Harrow was grateful to be listed in the rankings, but felt as if he should certainly have finished a bit high...like number three.
“Just to be ranked on y’all’s rankings was real big,” says Harrow. “I mean I’m always looking at them and I never see my name, so to finally make it let’s me know that I am definitely doing something right. It’s an honor to be one of the top players period. Not just in my class.” and then added. "Well other than Harrison (Barnes, who is rated No. 1) and Jared (Sullinger who is rated No. 4) I don’t see anybody else that can do what I do on the floor.”
Ryan has certainly put in the work and has been moving up pretty high, pretty fast. Just last year Harrow was still basically an unknown in the recruiting world. That is before Sidney Lowe took a look at him. Paul Hewitt actually overlooked Ryan two times at his Georgia Tech camp, neither time showing Ryan any interest, and making him work harder to reach his goal of playing at the next level. Lowe didn't have to watch too long to realize Harrow could play. Since he accepted the scholarship to play at NC State he has been on a whirlwind tour of the nation, going up against the nation's best. So, how does he feel he stacks up against the top point guards in the nation?
“I do everything that the point guard has to do,” says Harrow. “Take Brandon Knight. He’s a great player, but he doesn’t pass the ball. Joe Jackson is good, but he doesn’t pass. I can pass, I dribble better than both of them, I shoot better than Joe… I haven’t seen Kyrie (Irving) play so I don’t know about him, but I feel like I’m on top.”
If you've never checked out highschoolhoop.com I'd advise you to do so. It's a great site that goes in depth with the nations top recruits and gets some pretty legitimate interviews with these guys. There is plenty more on Harrow, including what kept him away from Word of God and how he feels about coming to State with his God brother Lorenzo Brown next season. Check it out.
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45 Responses to "Sharing the Wealth: Snub Lights Fire Under Harrow"“I do everything that the point guard has to do,” says Harrow. “Take Brandon Knight. He’s a great player, but he doesn’t pass the ball. Joe Jackson is good, but he doesn’t pass. I can pass, I dribble better than both of them, I shoot better than Joe… I haven’t seen Kyrie (Irving) play so I don’t know about him, but I feel like I’m on top.”
This kid is seriously the best recruit I have ever seen come into Raleigh. Period. I know ive never seen a guy who goes from unknown to top 5 PG in the nation, stays humble, YET pushes to be THE best PG in the nation and doesnt back down to the "top tier" talent. RH will change the mood in even the most sceptical of pack fans...
The only thing that separates him from Jackson, Knight, and Irving is his body. He is right in what he says about his ability to play. He is the best pure PG IMO...but his body just isn't there.
Ryan has "winner" writen all over him. This kid is the real deal and will boost the talent level of all around him. Can't wait to see him in the RED and WHITE.
packleader - stays humble? Did you read that article?
Look, I'm a big Harrow fan and love the fact that he'll be running our offense next year. But, I can do without trashing other guards ranked above. "He doesn't pass....i can dribble better...etc." Just say it's an honor and keep working hard - that's the mark of a great player, on and off the court.
Just to restate - big harrow fan - but these sites go to the kids' heads. Use that time talking about other guards to get bigger in the wieght room and you want have to talk about how you're better than them. no offense packleader, but i'm not sure we can say, "stays humble."
go pack
Harrow was asked a question and he gave an answer and explained his reasoning as to why he believes that way. I see nothing wrong with what he said. Not to mention, everything he said was true.
What the hell is wrong with people today that they'd rather see PC bull**** rather than the truth?
You base your reality on political correctness and I'll base mine in the truth. I gaurantee I'll come out better off in the long run.
“Just to be ranked on y’all’s rankings was real big,” says Harrow. “I mean I’m always looking at them and I never see my name, so to finally make it let’s me know that I am definitely doing something right. It’s an honor to be one of the top players period. Not just in my class.”
Theres a humble comment. I understand what your saying Jeff, but this particular article was written about Harrows motivation on becoming the top PG. How NOT being picked over these other guys fuels his fire and keeps him striving for better. The question asked to him was not "What do you think about the other players in your class."
Im not a HUGE Michael Jordan, but you cant deny his competitive nature helped mold him to the player he became. I watched his HOF speach and he talked about not being picked his freshman year in HS fueled him, how Dean Smith not putting him on the cover of Sports Illustrated fueled him, how he despised his future best friend and teammate Buzz Peterson because he came into north carolina higher ranked than Michael. I think any true comeptitor HAS to want to be the best, and if hes not then he needs to prove he is the best. I like his attacking style and attitude, on and off the court. If he doesnt believe in himself who will???
Dude - if that were a Carolina recruit, you would be trashing him. And I'm sure you've seen all those guys play as well, to know that "it's the truth." Yeah, it's the truth, and that's why not a single recruiting site has him in the top three. talk about reality, where are you living? and how did this turn into who you will come out better in the long run? who asked or even cares where you will be in the long run? this was about a basketball player, not you. and anyway, i don't care much for political correctness - julius hodge is my all time fav player if that tells you anything. just saying not sure we can say he "stays humble." do yourself a favor a take a deep breathe, and calm down. i'm not trashing anyone, and not trashing harrow either. good lord.
I love it. Just because you are a nice kid doesn't mean you can't have a nasty streak. These kids all know each other, and they may very well play against each other sometime in the near future. I don't mind a little trash talk, a little "I'm better than you" swagger. Just make sure you back it up when the time comes.
Tank04
If a UNC recruit had said it, you'd be up in arms talking about how he's arrogant. BTW, Jackson got the better of Harrow this summer one-on-one so Harrow needs to recognize his place.
that was to wolfpack4eva, not you packleader - i hear you.
Yes Jeff,
You are exactly right, if this were a Carolina recruit we would tear him to shreds. We would question his upbringing and kick his dog if we could. But he's our recruit so I LOVE it. Forget being loved by all, your rivals should hate you. If your rivals love you and can't say a bad word about you it's because they kick your butt on a regular basis. Sorry to say but that's why Coach K loved Herb. But Coach K and Roy? They have gotten into it and they don't go out for drinks after games. That's what I want. I want a guy that Carolina HATES. Ryan is still a class kid, but he wants to make it known he's the best. When was the last time we had a player that Carolina hated? Hodge? Exactly.
Tank04
Tank04, my thoughts exactly.
When I read the actual article instead of the WPH summary, those statements came across more as simple comparisons than trash talk.
I am as confident as Ryan that he will prove it on the court both this year and then next at the RBC center!
I agree with Tank. Our program needs some attitude. And yes, if it was a player on any other team we'd hate him but it has more to do with jealousy than anything else. People HATED JJ Reddick all over the country because he would torch them. Now if it affects his sportsmanship, I won't be on board. I lost a lot of respect for Chris Paul when he punch Hodge in the nuts because that's not competitiveness, that's unsportsmanlike. But if a guy comes in knowing he's going to win, we need that. Just like the Jordan comparison. Kevin Durant is the same way. He will absolutely murder you on the court and it changes the way his whole team plays with him.
^^^ - And Harrow got the better of him before that MemphisFan, and the game they lost, Harrow's team was without Cothron. I think Harrow's as every bit as good as Jackson, but as Harrow said, Jackson is a scoring PG, whereas Harrow is more of a pure PG.
While I'm never fond of cockiness, I do like the fact he uses it as a chip on his shoulder to make himself better.
Maybe we need to learn to start tolerating when we see a kid who has real confidence in what he can do, and that's even if he is wearing a NC State uniform.
Jeff everything he said was correct. The reason he's not ranked higher than those other cats is because he's like 155-160lbs. He has much better passing and dribbling skills than Knight and Jackson.
And yes actually I have seen them play and Ryan is heads and shoulders above both when it comes to passing and dribbling. He's on par with both when it comes to scoring imo. Jackson "got the better of him" if all you consider is how many points they scored. BTW I would suggest looking at their other game as well. The only reason he doesn't get the higher rankings is because of his build.
And I don't give a fat babies behind who says what, Brokeback Hill fan or not, if it's the truth then it's the truth.
I for one am glad to see Ryan talking some smack. Enough of the timid NC State players who are afraid to be the best. If Ryan thinks he's the #3 high school player in the nation I want him to say it. And then go out and prove it
I startin' to think Ryan is one of dem guys who when he's hungry........HE EATS!!!!!!!!!
Go Pack and GET LOWE
one00proof you wrote exactly what I was thinking about the Harrow vs Jackson battle.
They have matched up several times, and each their scoring is very close but the assists is very much in Ryans favor. Now I know the last time the scoring was neck and neck with Jacksons team winning but Ryans team had nowhere near the firepower. Ryan has out scored Joe before and Joes has out scored Ryan but IMHO Ryan speaks the truth, he is more of a team player and doesnt give anything up when he has to score the ball.
Very similar players but if yall remember the last video about ryans practice with his trainer, he talks about the matchups Iverson and Maurbery had when they battled in AAU in HS. I believe, and so does he, that 5 years from now we will speak of the Harrow Jackson matchups....
Theres nothing wrong with hating your opponent on the hardwood, but still have a mutual respect off.
I think if you've been keeping up with the recruitment of Harrow and the interviews we've done and other media outlets have done, you'd understand that this is a young man that is extremely driven to be number one. What is wrong with thinking or knowing you are better than your competition? Most of these kids have very comparable skill sets, but it's the mental aspect and the confidence that puts the elite few over the top.
Harrow isn't throwing anyone under the bus here. He is stating his case and he's right. Brandon Knight, Joe Jackson and most other point guards are not as well rounded players as Harrow is and I say that from having seen all of them play over the past year and a half. Brandon Knight is a better scorer than Ryan Harrow, no doubt...Joe Jackson is probably faster from end to end than Harrow, but are they better basektball players? I personally don't think so. Ryan has a complete skill set, he has the best handle of the bunch, the best court presence, a legit jumper, can score from anywhere on the court and has insane vision, however he needs to put on more weight and more muscle to be looked at as the #1 point guard. These guys rank kids based on potential not just in college but NBA as well.
The best players in sports have a swagger and an edge about them, whether they show it or not. Mike Jordan just got thrashed by numerous websites and newspapers b/c of the cockiness of his HOF acceptance speech. Say what you want, but he spoke the truth. He called out the people that didn't believe in him and people took it as him being a jerk. To me it was a tribute to those people that looked over him, because without them saying he couldn't, maybe he wouldn't have had the drive and work ethic to prove them all wrong.
So the most important question from all of this is... how many peanut butter & jelly sandwiches per day does Ryan eat?
WPH,
Off topic, but you may be interested in the following:
North Brunswick High graduate Chucky Brown has been named the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers' developmental team. ( Los Angeles D-Fenders )... During a 13 year pro career Chucky played for 12 different NBA teams. Chucky's pro career began in Cleveland in 1989 and ended in Sacramento in 2002. Chucky is a native of Navassa in Brunswick County.
Another Pack player doing well in the coaching ranks.
Ryan will "grow" into his body soon enough...I believe he has a size 13 shoe already and will probably hit a 4 to 5 inch growth spurt over the next 2 years.
Weight isn't a real issue and he will be big enough for his frame.
Patrick T.
'97
Couldnt have said it better myself WHP.
I've still got this image of the 10 YO Ryan Harrow picking up his dribble and bouncing it off Shaq's head. I think the kids self image is all right and as RedFred mentioned above - haven't we at NC State seen enough from players who trot out the respectful message but inwardly struggle because they think they're the best and need the ball more?
One of the reason I think Hodge did so well in college is that Herb was afraid to stick him in the compartment of his.
Realize you are not seeing the entire context of the interview. Here is the question posed to Ryan that prompt the specific response. How are you different than the guards that are ranked higher?
He was not boosting but answered the question from his point of view.
umm thats basically the same context.
How do you stack up against other guards? How are you different that the other guards?
Either way, he's saying he feels he's better. And i like it!
so you post the ones that back you up? not entirely fair?
Jeff -
Don't know what happened to your comment Jeff. My apologies. Feel free to re-post.
Jeff, I'll ask you, would any of us be so concerned, or even commenting on this topic, if Ryan Harrow was going elsewhere and wasn't committed to our own beloved NC State? Somehow, I hardly believe that you, or any of the rest of us for that matter, would even bother with this topic if Ryan Harrow wasn't heading our way.
NC State has been being oh so proper and polite, and oh so unsuccessful, for oh so long, that I suspect some people are going to have trouble excepting the fact that times and attitudes have changed everywhere else, but not so much in West Raleigh I'm afraid.
If NC State, as well as it's fans, are so uptight that they shudder when a HS aged kid proclaims that 'he thinks' he has the world by the b*lls, then maybe NC State as a whole, needs a little attitude adjustment of it's own.
well said redfred
I'm looking forward to more jaw-dropping videos once the hs season starts!
I should have thought twice, I suppose, about saying anything that doesn't ring to the tune of "what an excellent young man" on the ryan harrow fan club forum here. Wow, a comment about saying that we can't exactly call him humble was somehow turned into me spitting on the second coming of Jesus Christ.
I take it back! I swear! Redfred, you can stop ranting and raving about NC State and how it was awesome in the 1960s and how us young people have no idea! And readers can stop pretending like they give a sh!t
I take it back! I take it back! I take it baaaaack!
Wow Jeff, is that the brilliant comment that you were upset because it was deleted earlier? That is some goOOod stuff there my man!
When you say that I bore younger fans with my comments, do you mean the ones who are around 8 or 9 years old? Or the six year olds who throw temper tantrums when they can't think of anything intelligent to say, like yourself?
By the way Jeffrey, I never even hinted that I thought Harrow was an "an excellent young man", nor do I require him or anyone elseto be in order to play sports at NC State University. And judging by your objection to what Harrow said earlier, I think that's more in line with your requirements there anyway pal.
Jeff, take it somewhere else man.
If Ryan was really going to talk trash about those other players, he would have referenced their mamas, not their skills.
addendum to last post:
The more I think about it, I am disappointed in Ryan's trash talking. Imagine squaring up to guy on the court and saying "I can pass better than you". That wouldn't work. Maybe Ryan needs to work on his trash talking some. He's got another year to bring it up to ACC level.
How come you always have to agree with everything here to get posted?
I wouldnt call Harrow's comments humble either.
I wouldnt call them mean spirited either.
Just be glad he has motivation. Worked for MJ
If you go back and read the thread, I don't think that statement has much merit. The only statements that get moderated are ones that are inflammatory. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
WOW. Is there chum in the water?
I don't think that you have to agree with whatever is written in order to post here. WPH's has never restricted comments unless they are pointless bashes of NCSU players, coaches or recruits. Got a point? Share it. No Problem.
However, WPH's has made no bones about the fact that our recruits peruse this site and read the comments. If the folks that are on here jump to defend one of our own, I wouldn't be so surprised. The reactions can be a bit overblown at times, but if you want your opinion to be heard, there's should be too.
Personally, I think this program needs an infusion of personality. Hodge had it. Jimmy V. had it. And both had their critics. But too, both were successful and brought life to West Raleigh. There will always be fans (I'm related to some) that can't help but to be critical. Most of them are transferring that trait from their everyday lives. It's normal. And it takes all kinds. These folks need a team to love too, and I would be willing to bet that their passion for the Pack runs just as strong in the other direction, too.
Here's an example. My Cousin (who shall remain nameless) was also my suite-mate in school. The kid LOVES NCSU to a fault. He would analyze the players, critique the coaches. He would break his TV remote and jerk the plug from the wall if we were down to Carolina in any sport, and had no chance to come back. But, all anyone had to do to get him angry, was to tell him that David Thompson WAS NOT the best player to ever play the college game. Or, "Jim Valvano got lucky in '83!" This guy would hit the roof! I can't even explain his passion for our school, but there is a lot of it, to be sure. His opinions went from highly critical to highly defensive. The point is that everyone has their own personality. State fans run the gambit. We're called lunatics sometimes. That's just another word for passionate. The word fan is short for fanatic, right?
Ease up on Jeff a bit fellas. We don't want to read about Jeff jumping out of a window in the Disturber tomorrow. But don't stop arguing your points. Jeff included. Just don't take things so personally. We all love NCSU. We just have differing views about how to approach this thing.
Please remember though, whatever the comments, that these recruits, players and coaches do/may read them, and we should be supportive of them if we want them to feel like part of the Wolfpack family.
Go Pack.
Oh, and try to remember that this stuff is supposed to be fun.
He told the reporter exactly how he felt. Told him why and thats it. He didn't go on and on about himself, didn't brag and didn't act like he was conceited. I take pride that Harrow is stepping up and saying that he thinks he's number 1. And this past year he has gone out and backed up his talk. Think if Harrow had been playing AAU the last few years instead of just last year. He would have already been well known and who knows what his rating would be. Second, people have different personalities then others. I'm sure Lorenzo Brown feels like he is as good as or better then most/all of the 2010 class, however he has a different type of personality while Harrow has a different one. Nothing is wrong with either. If it was one of our commits who talked the talk but couldn't walk the walk, then I would get mad. But Harrow has given every indication that he can back up his talk. And as long as he talks in this manner and not in one that I see so many other recruits talk in (aka braggin, acting thug, acting conceited) then I'm perfectly ok with it.
"cocky"..."braggert"..."conceited"
Not that I like it, and not that this describes Harrow by any means, but I think those labels are going by the wayside. Today the media pushes and promotes those traits to the hilt, and they actually to manage profit greatly while doing so. Times change, and not always for the better, but this is what our kids of today are being force fed 24 hours a day from DAY ONE.
I have seen footage of Sullinger on several recruiting websites, and he seems like he is an All-American caliber player with a very bright future ahead of him.
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