Harper Phones Coach With Decision
Bill Seals, of our affiliate Cyclone Illustrated, reported this week that Jerome Harper (no. 21 in photo), a 6-4, 180 pound shooting guard from Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, IA, has verbally committed to Iowa State. Harper called ISU head coach Larry Eustachy with his decision.
Harper, who stated that a knee problem limited his effectiveness last year, averaged 10.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game as freshman. The Columbia, SC, native is a cousin of NBAer Jermaine O'Neal.
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Harper, who prepped at Keenan H.S. in Columbia, committed to the University of Cincinnati out of high school, but saw the Bearcats withdraw the offer after he ran into some off-court problems. He headed to junior college since he didn't meet the NCAA eligibility standards.
Harper also considered Illinois and South Carolina with the Gamecocks previously considered in the lead for his services.
Indian Hills in currently ranked in seventh place in the NJCAA poll with a 26-3 record.
Harper's commitment apparently has taken the roster spot previously thought to be set for Brandon Brooks, 6-0, 180 pound point guard from Portland, OR, who was dismissed from the IHCC squad last month. Southern Cal had also been in the hunt for Brooks.
Thanks to Jeremy Benson for the tip; photo courtesy of the Indian Hills Community College Sports Information Department.