Harris Has Brought Offensive Boost To Bulldogs
December 13, 2024 | Men's Basketball
Transfer guard is averaging 10 points per game this season.
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State gathered a large crop of new faces entering the 2024-25 season. As non-conference play nears its conclusion, transfer guard Claudell Harris Jr. has made his mark.
Making the move from Boston College to Starkville, Harris is one of three Bulldogs averaging double figures per game in scoring. He has been lethal from beyond the arc with 19 3-pointers so far this season, which ranks second on the team. The Dawgs have totaled 83 made 3s this year, which is third in program history through nine games.
He is a critical piece to a puzzle that has been one of the most efficient offenses Mississippi State has ever seen.
"Just letting the ball and the game come to me is important," Harris said after the Bulldogs' most recent win over Prairie View A&M. "I've got a lot of talented teammates. I see them work hard day in and day out. So, I just trust that they are going to make plays for themselves and plays for me."
Harris' offensive firepower was on full display last Sunday in Humphrey Coliseum. He totaled 21 points, hitting a trio of shots from long range. It was his fifth game in double-digits and second hitting the 20-point mark as he put together a 20-point showing against West Georgia. His six treys in the season opener marked a program record for a player in his Bulldog debut.
"I'm happy for Claudell," head coach Chris Jans said following the Prairie View A&M game. "He's such a hard worker. He hasn't had the offensive nights he's wanted since the opener, but he gave us a big lift and did some other things."
Harris and Josh Hubbard make up a backcourt that can get hot at a moment's notice. The synergy between the two guards can be felt.
"It's hard to stop Josh," Harris said. "He gets a lot of attention on and off the ball. I kind of just feed off that and try to play off that. Hit the open shots, make the right plays, limit my turnovers and it works out."
The season is long, but the presence of Harris has been paramount for this No. 25 group of Bulldogs. His game, particularly shooting from the outside, is a welcome addition to the Maroon and White.
"The thing is just finding it," Harris emphasized. "I just appreciate my teammates and my coaching staff for keeping that trust in me. Coach Jans always preaches to shoot my best shot every time. I just stay conscious of my mechanics and what I work on in bringing it to the floor."
