UVa basketball lands state player of the year

New Virginia coach Tony Bennett has landed another recruit. On Monday afternoon, The Daily Progress learned that Joe Harris, the 1A high school player of the year in the state of Washington, has verbally committed to UVa. 

Harris, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard, averaged 26.0 points and 4.3 assists for Chelan High last season. He shot 53 percent from the field, including 41 percent from 3-point-range.  Harris chose Virginia over Washington State, Washington and the University of San Diego.  “I think coach Bennett and what he brings as a person and coach was very instrumental in his decision,” said Joe Harris, Harris’ father and coach. “It was a difficult decision, but it came down to the fact that Joe wanted the challenge and opportunity to maybe take a risk both academically and athletically on the court.

He feels great about it. He’s really looking forward to the challenge of playing for coach Bennett and [assistant] coach [Ritchie] McKay.”  Harris was first recruited by Bennett when Bennett was the coach at Washington State. The elder Harris believes his son projects as a shooting guard at the college level.  “He’s got a great presence and feel for game,” he said. “He’s a very unselfish player and has a good perimeter game—he can knock shots down. He loves hoops and loves playing. He’s definitely a gym rat. I don’t think fans will be disappointed with the effort and type of game he has.” 

Harris, rated as a 3-out-of-5 star recruit by Rivals.com., joins forward Will Regan as the second member of Bennett’s 2010 class.