One of the ways you change the culture on a team is to draft players who come from winning programs, and the Warriors did just that when they made University of North Carolina swingman Harrison Barnes the seventh overall pick in last summer’s NBA draft. Few programs turn out quality NBA players the way Roy Williams’ Tar Heels team tends to do, and Barnes is already showing signs of being a great addition to the Warriors’ fresh look. It doesn’t hurt that the brotherhood of UNC alums has embraced Barnes, as well.

“I thought coach Williams did a good job preparing me for the NBA, just making sure that we practiced hard every day and stay locked in,” Williams tells HOOPSWORLD. “Guys like Marvin Williams, Vince Carter, those are the guys I got close to when I was at UNC that helped me when I was there and are helping now that I am in the NBA and getting used to things and getting my feet under the me.”

Often a high lottery pick like Barnes would be expected to do big things right away, but the Warriors are tempering short-term expectations in favor of the big picture.

“It’s my rookie year; I think the biggest thing for me is just understanding my position,” says Barnes. “Obviously, we are on a team where we are trying to change the culture, trying to win some games; right now that’s the most important thing, not getting caught up into stats or what people are saying or your role on the team.”

via Bill Ingram – HOOPSWORLD