Barnes Is The Real Deal, Hamilton Loves Iowa State, Hassel Up Close

• Harrison Barnes even stands out at the McDonald's All-America Game. It's the country's best blue chip recruits all on the floor, and Barnes wins co-MVP. He just looked more polished and mature than anyone in the game. It's painful to see another elite recruit leave our state, the recruit, but it's hard to fault Harrison. When Ol Roy and North Carolina come calling, kids pay attention.
• Shawn Terrell interviewed Justin Hamilton on camera about his surprising decision to transfer out of Iowa State. Hamilton said a few weeks ago he was leaving to be closer to his home in Utah, but his first visit was to a school actuallyy farther from Ames (Virginia). Hamilton told Shawn he loves Iowa State and loves Cyclone fans. Shawn asked why leave then? Hamilton answered, "No comment.".
• Iowa State wins the Hy-Vee Cy-Hawk Series. No one noticed. It's who won the football game first, then everything else is a distance second, third, fourth...
• Shawn Terrell just told me he's never seen "This Is Spinal Tap". I feel like I don't even know Shawn now.
• I do know Chris Hassel after that Barnstormer story he did Tuesday (it's in our video player). The close-up of Chris allowed us to count his pores and nose hairs.