Guest mffl Posted August 15, 2009 Report Posted August 15, 2009 From TexasHoops.com: Port Arthur Memorial incoming senior Darius Harris celebrated his 17th birthday this past Tuesday. He received cards and phone calls from friends and family, and he said he's supposed to get a birthday present in the form of a truck within the next few days. Harris decided to give himself an early birthday present last Wednesday, orally committing to Lamar University of the Southland Conference. Oral commitments are nonbinding, and the first day a Class of 2010 basketball recruit can sign is Nov. 12. "It feels good. I really feel good about the decision," said Harris, a 6-foot-7, 200-pound forward. "I took two unofficial visits to Lamar, and I liked it both times. I'm excited about it." Harris chose Lamar over McNeese State and Wichita State. Lamar, coached by Steve Roccaforte, finished 15-15 overall last season. Harris will play either the small forward or power forward position for the Cardinals. Harris said Lamar was an easy decision because of the attention Roccaforte and his staff showed over the years. "I got a lot of calls, but nobody took time out to see my games," Harris said. "They've seen me play since the beginning of my junior year. They showed me that they really wanted me. "Plus Coach Roc said that the program graduates all of its guys. That was a real big plus for me." Harris will bring a strong defensive presence to the Cardinals. He averaged 8.5 points, 10 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game as a junior at Memorial. Harris is the reigning District 21-5A Defensive Player of the Year as the 2009-10 calendar year prepares to begin. Harris said Lamar's style reminded him of what he was accustomed to playing for his AAU team, the Houston Hoopstars Elite. Lamar is a transition team that focuses on letting strong defensive play turn into offensive opportunities. The Cardinals will benefit from Harris' versatility on both ends of the court. "He came to us about 6-4 a couple years back, and he had coordination and an ability to get the ball," Memorial coach Terrul Henderson said. "He always played over the rim, and then he grew four inches in about two years. He's put himself on the map. "I think Coach Roc slipped in early and saw what he could do. He got to Darius before he got out on the circuit. It's a good pick-up. It's exciting for Darius and the area." Harris, most importantly, now will enter his senior year at Memorial not having to worry about his college career. He will begin his third season as a starter and will team up with players such as reigining 21-5A MVP Shaquille White and all-district second-teamer JaMarqus Jones. The team finished 26-8 last season. "A couple of years from now, maybe he will be an all-conference player," Henderson said of Harris. "And if he works hard, maybe he can make some money after that."
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