NBA Draft 2011: Harrison Barnes' Decision to Return Good for UNC, Great for NBA

Harrison Barnes' announcement that he will be returning to the UNC Tar Heels probably means the Heels will be the nations' top team once the college basketball season resumes this fall, but Barnes' decision has the potential to have an even greater impact in the NBA.

Barnes' decision to forgo the NBA's millions means the Tar Heels will enter the 2011-12 season with their starting unit intact, and incoming five-star recruits James McAdoo and P.J. Hairston could help UNC make it a very special season.

But Barnes also offers a different perspective on his choice to return to UNC, because how many players who are legitimate top five picks would choose to bypass the NBA?

And make no mistake, Barnes may have the biggest upside of any player in this year's draft, but he understands how much better he can be with another year of amateur basketball under his belt.

Barnes has many attributes which suggest he is an NBA-ready talent such as his 6'8" size, his superior athleticism and his ability to score from the perimeter or in the paint.

Barnes also has a knowledge of the game that is beyond his years, and more importantly he has that star quality which is harder to quantify, the kind that demonstrates he understands how important it is to shine in the moment.

And coming back to UNC is certainly a shining moment for Barnes because it also illustrates that he is willing to acknowledge the flaws in his game, and is prepared to work harder to correct them.

Barnes needs work on his ball-handling skills, individual defense and he needs to be more aggressive at the beginnings of games, and another year in school will help him improve in each category.

Now imagine if other players who have the potential to be drafted among the top five, but would benefit from another year of school chose to follow Barnes' example instead of bolting to the NBA?

Kentucky's Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones should be paying attention.

It's extremely rare for a teenager who is constantly being told how great he is to shun the money and the things that come with it in favor of taking the time to improve their craft.

Most of today's media-proclaimed future NBA stars lack the maturity needed to play at the next level, and many of them are not concerned enough about the obvious flaws in their games.

That attitude has led to a never-ending parade of one-and-done players who usually end up ill-prepared for the transition to the professional game, and most must spend time on the bench or in the developmental league before they can consistently contribute.

But Roy Williams and the Tar Heels actually have a pretty good record when it comes to players returning to school to improve their games and the team's chances of winning a national championship.

The 2005 and 2009 Tar Heels were comprised of players such as Tyler Hansborough, Shawn May, Ty Lawson, Raymond Felton and Wayne Ellington, who all benefited in the NBA due to an extra year at school, and this season's version is no different.

Barnes' decision to return to UNC was preceded by the similar decisions of center Tyler Zeller and forward John Henson, both of whom were projected as likely lottery picks in June by most observers.

By the way, I have no moral objections to players leaving school early because in some instances that decision will be the only opportunity in their lifetime to earn the type of money afforded to a first round NBA draft pick.

The rigors of NBA life may eventually take their toll and prove some players less than worthy to compete at the NBA level, but at least they will have the initial guarantee of their first contract to fall back on.

But for players like Barnes the implications are a little different and I applaud his decision to stay, because Barnes has the potential to be much more than the average NBA bench-rider, and he recognizes it.

Sure, some of Barnes' decision may have to do with uncertainty over the NBA's labor agreement, but it still takes a measure of fortitude for a player to sacrifice being a good young player with tons of money for the chance of being a great young NBA star with tons of money.

Barnes' decision will likely make the Tar Heels early favorites to reach next season's Final Four, and complete the revitalization of the program, which began when Hansborough left for the NBA.

Barnes coming back is definitely a good thing for Tar Heels fans and Williams, but imagine how great it could be for the NBA if other similarly talented players followed his example?