Countdown To NBA Draft: Harrison Barnes Remembers His Roots; Barnes to Cavs, Royce White to Celtics in Latest Mock Draft

For anyone who thinks has let fame and soon-to-be fortune cause him forget his humble beginnings in Ames, think again.

USA Today reports that Barnes, 20, the former student and projected top-five pick in the NBA draft on Thursday, still pays homage to Iowa.

"I attribute so much of who I am and what I've become to (Iowa) just because it kept me very humble," Barnes told USA Today. "It's helped me become the player I am and the person I am.

"Without the great state of Iowa, I wouldn't be in this position."

Barnes credits mom and the character of the people of Ames to his work ethic.

Mock Draft

A new mock draft courtesy of ESPN has , a former and North Carolina standout, going with the fourth pick to Cleveland Cavaliers. He's been in the top five range for a while.

Prognosticator Chad Ford says is in the discussion at picks three, four and five, and teams will likely be choosing between Barnes and Bradley Beal of Florida and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist of Kentucky. Ford said Barnes to the Cavs is a toss up because Cleveland also likes Kidd-Gilchrist.

Royce White, who starred at this year, could go to the Boston Celtics at pick 21. Ford writes that some sources are saying he's received a "first-round promise" from a team, a claim the Celtics deny.

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Ford writes that White could be a good fit in Boston and a steal at pick No. 21.

White has elite talent but some have expressed concern about an anxiety disorder.

Here's more White and Barnes headlines from Monday:

Harrison Barnes: Analyzing Worst NBA Fits for North Carolina Superstar

NBA Draft 2012: Why the Golden State Warriors Must Draft Harrison Barnes

Royce White becoming a tantalizing option for NBA draft

The many shades of Royce White