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NCAA Basketball: Projecting the top 25 mid-major stars for 2019-20

By Lukas Harkins

COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 22: The bench celebrates as Sam Merrill #5 of the Utah State Aggies looks on as they play against the Washington Huskies during the second half of the game in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 22: The bench celebrates as Sam Merrill #5 of the Utah State Aggies looks on as they play against the Washington Huskies during the second half of the game in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 29: Coach Alford of Nevada while at UCLA. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 29: Coach Alford of Nevada while at UCLA. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /

24. Jalen Harris, Nevada

Guard | 6-foot-5 | 195 lbs | Junior

Nevada is an interesting team heading into this coming season. After a very successful recent stretch of seasons, the program had to wave goodbye to head coach Eric Musselman this offseason as he departed for Arkansas while a number of talented players also graduated or transferred. As a result, the Wolf Pack will take on a significantly different look this season. Former UCLA leader Steve Alford is now the head coach and it is reasonable that a newcomer to the program will be the team’s best player this season.

Enter Jalen Harris.

The former Louisiana Tech guard sat out last season due to transfer rules but now looks poised to take on a significant role with the Wolf Pack this season. Over the course of 11 games in his sophomore campaign with the Bulldogs, Harris posted averages of 15.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. While these numbers might not jump off the computer screen, it appears as though he is on the verge of a breakout campaign with his new program.

While the coaching change might have an impact on his potential this season, it is no secret that Harris is a talented guard. Nevada is simply projected as a middle-of-the-road squad in the Mountain West this season but Harris could be a big difference-maker. If he reaches his potential under Coach Alford this season, the Wolf Pack could vastly exceed expectations. The team also returns the likes of Lindsey Drew and Jazz Johnson as capable contributors but I have a feeling that Harris will emerge as the team’s star right away this season.

Harris is an outstanding athlete that creates for himself at a high rate and can jump out of the gym. Let’s just say he will record his fair share of tape for the highlight reel this year.

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