Harris set to leave Virginia

By Whitey Reid

Published: August 2, 2008

Will Harris’ days at Virginia could be over.

On Saturday, sources confirmed to The Daily Progress that the 6-foot-6 junior forward is hoping to transfer to another school.

Neither Harris nor UVa coach Dave Leitao could be reached for comment.

Harris played in just 15 games during the 2007-2008 season due to an injured back. The Queens, N.Y. native averaged 2.7 points and 2.5 rebounds in nine minutes per game.

In June, Harris said that his back felt “100 percent, 98 percent of the time” and that he was looking forward to the upcoming season.

“I think we’re going to have a real deep team,” Harris said. “Lots of guys will be able to do lots of different things. Given the situation, I’m going to do whatever coach needs me to do because I feel like I’m versatile enough that I could do anything.

“I just like being on the court. I don’t care where I’m at. As long as I’m on the court, I’m happy.”

But apparently Harris now realizes he may not be on the court very much. Virginia has a number of players on its roster who do the same things as him and playing time might be hard to come by.

In June, Harris said he didn’t have any regrets about not seeking a medical redshirt that would have given him an additional year of eligibility. He was also adamant that he didn’t have any issues with Leitao.

“He’s my man,” said Harris. “That’s my guy.”

Harris, who will turn 22 on Aug. 24, was part of Leitao’s first recruiting class, which also included Jamil Tucker, Solomon Tat and Jerome Meyinsse.

As a freshman, Harris showed some flashes. He had an impressive 14-point, six-

rebound performance in an early win over N.C. State.

However, Harris fizzled down the stretch, then injured his back just before the start of last season.

Coming out of high school, Harris verbally committed to Nebraska before changing his mind and taking a prep year at Brewster Academy (N.H.). While at Brewster, Harris committed to Connecticut, but then decided Virginia was the better fit.

The loss of Harris would leave UVa with 12 scholarship players, one below the maximum. Leitao could award the open scholarship to guard Calvin Baker, who had a successful year as a walk-on last season — or he could give it to Tunji Soroye, who is still awaiting word on a medical redshirt.

that would enable him to return for a fifth season.