"We're thrilled," Warriors GM Bob Myers told reporters shortly after the pick. "He’s got great value and we’re excited. He fits what we need. You guys will love him. A great kid, great player. We’re just excited.”
The Ames, Iowa product earned first-team All-ACC honors and second-team NABC All-America honors as a sophomore after averaging 17.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in 2011-12. Barnes averaged 16.4 points per game over his 75-game collegiate career.
"I'm very excited, I'm just truly blessed," Barnes said after being drafted. "I don't really have a lot of words right now other than that. It's a very first-class organization and I can't wait to get out there and play for them."
Barnes's career at UNC was highlighted by several clutch performances, but he drew criticism for his inconsistency, including an 8-of-30 shooting effort (2-of-14 from 3-point range) in the 2012 Midwest Regional with point guard Kendall Marshall sidelined due to injury.
“He made a multitude of big shots for us, and then the last two games he didn’t shoot it well,” UNC head coach Roy Williams told reporter earlier this month. “… It was a really good career. (If) you win 61 games in two years and average 15 and 17, first-team All-ACC, second-team All-American, you’re going to have your jersey in the rafters [and] be a top five pick in the NBA draft. A lot of guys would like to have that kind of career.”
Barnes represents UNC’s ACC-leading 41st first round selection. He is also the school’s eighth lottery pick since 2005.