MSU sophomore guard Gary Harris is forgoing his final two college seasons and heading to the NBA, the MSU athletics department announced Monday evening.
In a statement, Harris said decision to leave MSU is in his best interest.
Gary Harris to enter NBA draft
Sophomore guard Gary Harris looks to shoot March 15, 2014, during a game against Wisconsin at Bankers Life Fieldhouse at the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis. The Spartans defeated the Badgers, 83-75. Erin Hampton/The State News
—“The last two years have been the best of my life, but it’s time to follow my dream and declare for the NBA Draft,” Harris said in a statement. “This was not an easy decision.”
Harris’ departure isn’t a shock to many. It was even recommended by head coach Tom Izzo, as Harris is widely considered a lottery pick in the upcoming 2014 NBA Draft on June 27.
“I fully support and celebrate Gary’s decision,” Izzo said. “He is well-prepared for a long career.”
Harris averaged 16.7 points and four rebounds per game this past season, and was a first-team All-Big Ten selection. In his freshman season, he averaged 12.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game after arriving in East Lansing as a highly-touted five-star recruit.
Harris considered leaving after his first year at MSU, but elected to come back in hopes of winning a national championship.
MSU eventually lost to national champion Connecticut in the Elite Eight.
Harris’s parents, Joy and Gary Harris Sr., said in a statement they are thankful for the guidance the basketball program provided for Harris.
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