New UCLA Bruins transfer Dominick Harris (formerly of Loyola Marymount University) explained the thinking behind his decision to join Mick Cronin's group after an unfortunate 16-17 season in 2023-24. , write Tracy Pearson and Dave Woods of Bruin Report Online.
“It started with the coaching staff showing interest in me,” Harris told Woods. “Obviously they trust me in what I can do on the court and how I can be a better player. I respect the way they approached the situation by showing interest in me. And UCLA is a prestigious school, just history and tradition, and they're in LA and I'm from California. [he hails from Temecula]. It made the decision so much easier. I want to play at UCLA and I want to play for a great coaching staff that believes in me. ”
“It’s always an eye-opener to walk through that campus,” Harris said of the visit. “I've been at UCLA for a while so I'm used to it, but it's always great to see the history behind the university as a whole.”
“Coach called me first and was raving about my defense,” Harris said. “I pride myself on being a lockdown defender, and that's why I strive to maximize my potential. I've shot the ball pretty well this year, shooting 45% from three. %” Coach BT. [assistant coach Brendyn Taylor] Coach Cronin was very familiar with my game and had him at one of my favorite high school games. I think they know my game very well. I'm here to work hard, play defense, take open shots, make the right plays and make my teammates better. ”
According to Pearson, Cronin, and others, they have been pushing for a transfer to Harris since he declared his intention to enter the transfer portal in mid-March.
This will be Harris' third time attending college. He spent his first two seasons at Gonzaga before transferring to Loyola Marymount for the 2023-24 season. He averaged 14.3 points, a .429/.448/.783 slash line, 3.3 rebounds, and 1 assist for the Lions last year. The Bruins, on the other hand, had a solid defense but struggled with outside shooting. A 3-point shooter who makes six attempts per game and is shooting 44.8 percent from the field might be just what the doctor ordered for the Bruins in 2024-25.
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