Should North Carolina Tar Heel Fans Be Nervous About Harrison Barnes?

Harrison Barnes, the 6'7" 215 pound forward, started off his first two collegiate career games averaging 16.5 points per game.  He had North Carolina fans all excited because of his great performance in his first two outings.

Tonight, Barnes went 0-for-12 from the field and had six points, against Minnesota.

Minnesota knocked off No. 8 North Carolina, 72-67. 

Should North Carolina be worried about their star freshman, or is this just a bump in the road to a great season for the Heels?

First, it should be noted that North Carolina's ranking meant next to nothing.  They were highly overrated coming into the season, basically banking on Zeller and Barnes to carry them all season. After going 16-16 last season in the regular season, the Tar Heels had no business being ranked in the top 10 this season.

That being said, Barnes and Zeller are great players and North Carolina will be a tough team to beat later in the season after they grow up a bit and get used to playing the best teams in the nation.

One thing that didn't help Barnes in a night that he would surely like to forget, is the fact that he was facing one of the best low post teams in the nation in Minnesota.

They return Ralph Sampson III, who is easily the most overlooked big man in the country. Sampson, the 6'11" senior, is averaging 18.3 points, nine rebounds and four blocks per game through the first four games this season.

Minnesota is one of the most underrated teams in the country and should be ranked—there is no doubt about that.

Tar Heel fans should not worry about Barnes putting up a goose egg from the field tonight.  It's all part of being a freshman, you have bad game, and hopefully he got it out of his system.

Barnes will end the season as one of the best big men in the nation, and will be able to put up outstanding numbers all season.  He has a shot that is matched by no one and his ability to dominate games has already been evident by dropping 16 in the first half against Hofstra Pride.

There is little doubt that Barnes is going to be a star, so make sure not to make assumptions based on one nights performance.

James Evens is a Purdue student and Basketball/Football Featured Columnist for the Boilermakers, along with being a Writing Intern at Bleacher Report.  Follow him on Twitter or like him on Facebook