With the majority of college programs now completely done with their recruiting for the 2024 Class, there are still some programs still looking, with many of them looking for late post talent additions. While it is very late in the recruiting process, Chandler Gilbert Junior College 6-foot-7 sophomore Andre Harris is still available and ready to go now, after completing his coursework for junior college late this summer. While Harris still needed to complete a few classes, it caused many college programs to move on in their recruiting of other prospects. Harris is now qualified to move forward and should be a hot commodity for college programs looking to fill final roster spots, especially for a talented post player that can provide immediate help for next college season.
I have been speaking consistently with terrific Chandler-Gilbert JC Head Coach Steve Silsby over the past few weeks regarding Harris and his recruitment, and while Harris has heard from a large number of Division-I programs throughout the last year and has definitely received his share of college recruitment, he is still available this late. I look for someone to look to sign Harris now, that he has completed his coursework, but there just are not many programs now that still have scholarships for next season. It will be very interesting to see where Harris ultimately lands for college this fall.
It was an excellent season last year for Chandler-Gilbert, as the program swept many post-season honors, and won this year's ACCAC D-II Region Title. Head Coach Steve Silsby was selected as the ACCAC D-II Coach of the Year, while Andre Harris also was selected as the ACCAC D-II Player of the Year. Harris came up big all season long for Coach Silsby and his staff, and led this team to a conference title. Harris was consistent in his approach all season and was steady in his play - averaging 19.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per/contest, and shooting 53.8% from the field. Harris led Chandler-Gilbert to the program's best season ever, as they compiled a 26-4 overall record on the season.
Harris is a former Division-I transfer from Duquesne University. He was highly recruited after playing for Hillcrest Prep and also the Compton Magic (CA) Adidas-sponsored club program in high school, but after taking off a season after leaving Duquesne, and trying to figure out his basketball future, Harris landed last season at Chandler-Gilbert where he would turn in an excellent season for Coach Silsby and his staff.
"I never had any problems with Dre," said Silsby. "He was great all season for us."
Still an uncommitted prospect, Harris is a broad-shouldered low post player that likes to score around the basket and from mid-range, while having an improved ability to extend out to three-point distance on the floor. He is a very productive performer and is a mis-match for most opposing defenders in the front court. Harris would be a nice addition for the right college program this late in the recruiting process.
I will continue to follow this story closely, and bring you any recruiting updates as they continue to develop.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: A former Division-I transfer from Duquesne University, Harris landed last season at Chandler-Gilbert where he had a very strong and consistent season. Harris is a broad-shouldered low post player that likes to score around the basket and from mid-range. He has good low post skills and a nice ability to use his body to draw contact and finish around the paint. He is also able to step outside and shoot the basketball out to three-point distance, although he still needs to add more consistency to his shot. Currently, he is a good mid-range shooter with a soft touch. I like Harris physically, as he has very broad shoulders and excellent physical strength. He can score inside and out and is difficult to keep off the glass, when he makes up his mind to fight for rebounds. He is a bit of a tweener for the college level, but such players like him often have very good success in college - he will just need to pick the right college program for himself, that will be a good fit for his talent. A strong rebounder and finisher around the basket. Runs the floor. A solid passer. A good shot-blocker. A solid low-post defender, but needs more focus on the defensive end to maximize his potential as a player.
