Mike Smyth/ Tahoe Onstage photos
It’s official: Nevada junior guard Jalen Harris will forgo his senior season and stay in the 2020 NBA Draft, as first reported by Nevada Sports Net.
Harris released the following statement on his Twitter account Thursday afternoon thanking the Wolf Pack fans and announcing his plans to stay in the NBA Draft.
“Chance. That one word sums up my Nevada experience in so many ways. From the obvious basketball and culture changes… to the subtle life and attitude changes along the way. I’ve been blessed to share them with my new extended family.
“I’m thankful for the entire Reno community and the Lawlor faithful for helping me to embrace change and not fear it. I’m forever grateful to all of my teammates, coaches and administrators for their encouragement and patience as we navigated all of the change-ups together.
“Change also brings opportunity. And I am confident the last 2 years have adequately prepared me to adapt to my next chapter in what I pray will be a long professional career. I will always carry a piece of Reno with me and cherish the memories made with each of you. The journey continues #BattleBorn.”
Harris declared for the 2020 NBA Draft on April 11. The 6-foot-5 guard has a lightning quick first step to attack the rim and can shoot from 3-point territory off of the dribble. His quickness and scoring ability can translate well to the next level.
In his first season with the Wolf Pack, Harris led the Mountain West Conference with 21.6 points per game on 44.6 percent shooting from the field. He tallied 15 20-point games and six 30-point games on the year.
He was also selected to the All-MW first team and named to the NABC and USBWA All-District teams.
Harris, a Dallas, Texas native, spent two seasons at Louisiana Tech before transferring to Nevada. He was forced to sit out the 2018-19 campaign, but put his talents on the map with a dominant junior season.
Harris’ absence will be a huge blow to Nevada basketball’s season. The Wolf Pack had four seniors in Lindsey Drew, Jazz Johnson, Johncarlos Reyes and Nisré Zouzoua departing from the program.
Nevada head coach Steve Alford will have his hands full for next season as its leading scorer will strive for a professional career.
The NBA Draft and NBA Draft Lottery are expected to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both events are also expected to be held remotely as the NBA prepares to resume the 2019-20 season.
— Isaiah Burrows
Notes: Former Nevada forward Jordan Caroline signed with an Israeli team after spending the year with the South Bay Lakers, G-League affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers. Caroline ranks Top-10 in school history in points and rebounds, which helped propel the Wolf Pack to NCAA Tournament appearances from 2016-19. … The NBA announced on May 8 that teams will be able to reopen facilities for team practices and player workouts. The Minnesota Timberwolves are the most recent team to reopen their facility on May 20.
