NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Anthony Harris decommits from Virginia Tech Hokies

Four-star prospect and former Virginia Tech Basketball commit Anthony Harris has re-opened his recruitment.

2109 consensus top-70 prospect Anthony Harris is back on the open market after Virginia Tech granted his request to be released from his national letter of intent. Surprisingly, Virginia Tech wasted no time responding to his request, per Evan Daniels of 247 Sports, as the Hokies approved it the same day (last Wednesday) that Harris submitted the papers. Coach Buzz Williams accepted the Texas A&M job on Tuesday. Harris did say that the Hokies are still in the mix.

"“Congratulations to coach Buzz on his new position. Although I will still consider Virginia Tech, in order to fully weigh all my options I have decided to reopen my recruitment.”"

Harris signed with the Hokies on Nov. 19.

The 6-foot-4 versatile combo guard is a very good ball-handler as well as a solid decision maker. He thrives a getting to the hoop off the bounce and is a good defensive rebounder. Harris is a little slender and does need to add upper body strength, which would help him to finish through contact.  Lateral quickness and vision in the open court is also something he needs to improve.

Harris had his senior season cut short as he tore his ACL in December. He is expected to resume basketball activities in August.

The Fairfax (Va.) native is rated as the 78th best player in his class by ESPN. Meanwhile, 247Sports Composite has him ranked No. 66 in their rankings and 247Sports has tabbed him at No. 69. In addition, Harris is ranked 71st in the nation by Rivals.

Harris will likely have a lot of high major suitors. Prior to signing with the Hokies, Harris made official visits to Duke and Wake Forest. He was also slated to make an official visit to UConn and Miami. All four of those teams are likely interested in him He will host an open gym at Pope Paul VI Catholic High School on April 12 at 3 p.m. It will be interesting to see which teams show up.

Harris also made unofficial visits to West Virginia, Maryland, and Ohio State. Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton and Cincinnati’s Mick Cronin made in-home visits. However, Cronin is now at UCLA.

Virginia Tech has gone through its best stretch in program history over the last three years. The Hokies set a program record with 26 wins this past as they reached the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1967. But new coach Mike Young will have to rebuild as not only will he have to replace three key seniors — Justin Robinson, Ahmad Hill, and Ty Outlaw –, star sophomore Nickeil Alexander-Walker has declared for the NBA draft and will hire an agent. Senior Chris Clake, who has a year of eligibility left after being suspended the entire season, will not return. Also, Kerry Blackshear Jr. will graduate this spring and could decide to return, turn pro or transfer.

Additionally, Wabissa Bede — a three-star recruit in 2017– and redshirt freshman Landers Nolley II — a 2018 four-star recruit — have entered the transfer portal. While Bede could return to Blacksburg, it doesn’t look like Nolley has any intention of doing so, per the Roanoke Times.

Currently, the Hokies have five scholarships available for the upcoming season. NLI signees Three-star combo guard Andre Gordon, as well as three-star, forwards Yavuz Gultekin and Emanuel Miller have kept their pledges to Virginia Tech so far.

The Hokies are reportedly very interested in junior college transfer Atticus Taylor (Southwest Mississippi CC). They also have open offers to guards Taelon Martin, Russell “Deuce” Dean, Jaren Phillips, Jordan Wright, and Marvin Price. As well as big men Josaphat Bilau and Wilkenson “Kenny” Isnord.