By Justin Felder - bio | email
CONWAY, SC (WMBF) – After a difficult junior season, Coastal Carolina forward Joseph Harris graduated with a year of eligibility remaining. He considered transferring to a bigger school for that last year, leaning towards the University of Alabama-Birmingham.
"Actually, I was already at UAB," said Harris. "Class was the next morning, I couldn't sleep at all. I got to thinking, ‘I'm not supposed to be here, I should be back at Coastal.'"
Harris decided to return for his redshirt senior season with the Chanticleers. His teammates were quick to welcome him back.
"[They said] ‘Dude, it's like you never left, we already missed you,'" said Harris. "Who would be that guy to joke around with and pick on. It was like I never left when I got here."
His play also looks like he never left—in fact, he may be playing even better. He's set multiple records, including breaking the Big South's all-time rebounding mark. Harris, however, is more known for the little things like steals, taking charges and anything needed to get a win.
"He'll probably go down as one of the best players Coastal's ever had," said CCU senior guard Mario Edwards. "He's the reason we're here, why we're winning these games. We're in the position that we are because of Joe."
"A lot of energy, a lot of savvy, comes to play and just plays hard," said Coastal Carolina head coach Cliff Ellis. "Plays as hard as any player I've ever coached."
The other huge element of Harris' game: leadership. Along with Edwards and senior forward Logan Johnson, Harris is making sure his teammates know just how big their current opportunity is.
"I was telling the guys, we haven't been here since my freshman year," said Harris. "It took a long time to get back here, so cherish the moment, live in the moment and just enjoy it."
Harris and Coastal Carolina face UNC-Asheville Thursday night in the Big South Tournament semifinals.
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