Harrison looking for high academics
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Tim Harrison may not be a national name yet, but the Francis Parker (Calif.) forward is garnering interest from college coaches coast-to-coast during a solid spring travel season for Gamepoint Elite.
"I think I've done pretty well," said Harrison, who is rated as a three-star and the No. 150 player in the nation. "This has been a good year. I really like our team. We've had a lot of success so far. I'm excited for the next live period. I've definitely been working on my game a lot, getting stronger and expanding my perimeter skills. I'm working on getting my footwork better so I can move my feet better on the perimeter so I can guard 2's and 3's when switching on ball screens. Also getting out of area rebounds and my handle."
Gamepoint Elite, sponsored by adidas, participated in the Pangos Spring Spectacular in Las Vegas during the first live period, then joined the adidas Gauntlet circuit in Indianapolis, where Harrison averaged eight points and five rebounds per contest.
The opportunity to play in front of large groups of Division I college coaches was definitely embraced by Harrison.
"It's awesome. It's a dream come true because I've always wanted to play Division I basketball," he said. "To see schools consistently show up to games is exciting and it really helps motivate me to work harder. I know that these people are right there and it's a potential scholarship, so it makes you want to work harder and improve so that you can get to that level."
Between the two live periods, Harrison hosted several coaches who came on school visits to meet with him and his family. Harrison said no two visits were alike.
"It's different for each school," he said. "I think each school has said what's good about their school and where I'd fit in to their program. I've had several coaches come out to the school to talk to me."
Among those who have chatted with Harrison are Stanford coach Johnny Dawkins, Colorado coach Tad Boyle, Colorado State assistant Steve Barnes, California coach Cuonzo Martin, and Washington coach Lorenzo Romar.
Harrison listed offers from California, UNLV, New Mexico, Nevada, VCU, Richmond, Colorado State and Washington. He added that he is also receiving interest from Harvard, Princeton, Colorado, USC, Georgia Tech and Stanford.
The 6-foot-8, 205-pounder has already taken unofficial visits to Gonzaga, Washington, Stanford and California and his family is considering an east coast trip so that he can visit Princeton and Harvard. A true student-athlete, Harrison has already taken the SAT twice, scoring "around a 1700" on the first attempt. He is awaiting results on his second test.
Harrison plans on taking several official visits this fall as he starts getting ready to make a decision. He stressed how important academics will be when the time comes to make his college choice.
"Very important," said Harrison. "I know that basketball stops eventually. I do want to play professionally, but I know that even after that I'll need something to fall back on to be able to start a career after that because most players that retire are in their 20's or 30's and have the rest of their lives, so I value academics a lot. I'm very interested in business as well as Kinesiology."
What other factors will be important to Harrison?
"Fit, I know that's a cliché. but the right fit," he said. "I want to go to a school where my degree is going to mean something. Also, competes at a high level in basketball, one where I have a good opportunity and somewhere that is going to develop me as a player."
Russ Wood is a basketball recruiting analyst for Rivals.com and Inside the Gators. You can click here to follow him on Twitter.
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