Jason Harris only spent two years playing for the Hornets, yet he made a huge impact on the program. Before the 2005-06 season he was named the Big Sky’s Preseason Player of the Year by four different basketball publications.

“I just tried to play as hard as possible. There were people around me that helped me work hard,” Harris said.

Coach Jerome Jenkins was impressed with Harris after seeing him play in a junior college summer tournament.

“I thought he would bring a great deal of toughness to the team. I told him when I talked to him that I thought he was an NBA prospect, and that I thought he would become newcomer of the year,” Jenkins said.

Harris was recently drafted into the NBA Developmental League. He was the second pick of the sixth round and was drafted by the Bakersfield Jam. Both the NBA’s Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings are affiliates with the Jam.

During the summer of 2006, Harris had two tryouts with the Sacramento Kings.

“That was one of the best experiences of my life. It was a true blessing to get to tryout with them,” Harris said.

For Harris, basketball has been a part of his life since he started high school.

“I started playing organized basketball in ninth grade. Before that I was playing baseball and football, but all my friends were playing basketball and I wanted to play what my friends did,” Harris said.

After playing four years of basketball in high school, two of which Harris was the starting power forward, he went on to play for Chaffey Junior College in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

While at Chaffey, Harris was named first team all-Foothill conference both years and in 2004 he was named Male Athlete of the Year.

After his two-year stint at Chaffey, Harris moved to northern California to play for the Hornets.

“I liked the coaching staff and the people. I thought Sacramento was a nice place and it really felt like a family to me and I wanted to be a part of it,” Harris said.

Although Harris came in as a junior, there was no problem transitioning onto a new team.

Jenkins felt Harris was able to make the impact on the team that he was hoping Harris would accomplish.

“There was no trouble for him. We brought him in to be an impact player and that’s what he did,” Jenkins said.”He responded to me well and I gave him the green light to try some things out on the court. He really adapted to my style easily.”

Harris spent only two years as a Hornet, but the numbers he posted impressed the coaching staff and broke many program records.

“Well you never know how successful they will be. He adapted to my style of coaching and my system of playing,” Jenkins said.

In his first year for Sacramento State, Harris had 11 games with at least 20 points, which is the most in Sac State Division I history. In the 2004-05 season, he broke the Hornet Division I records for free throws made (157) and attempted (213).

“It feels great breaking those records, but I had great teammates that put me in the right spot and allowed me to take those shots. I really was working hard,” Harris said.

In the fall of 2006, Harris was drafted into the Continental Basketball Association. He was drafted to the Butte Daredevils, but didn’t see much playing time.

“I played in the exhibition games, but they were looking for someone bigger,” Harris said.

Shortly after being released from the CBA, Harris’ agent found him a new job in Australia.

“I really needed a job and my agent told me there was a job in Australia. Playing overseas is way different than playing in the states,” Harris said.

The experience that Harris gained from playing overseas was beneficial to the rest of his basketball career.

“Being around pros all the time helped me a lot. It taught me how to act around people and talk with them. It was good for me,” he said.

As of right now, Harris is getting ready to move to Bakersfield and get ready to practice with the Jam. He has high goals for his new team, including a possible title.

“Ultimately I want to win the championship. When you win, good things happen, and not only for me but for everyone. I want to play and put up some numbers,” he said.

Harris isn’t the only one who has high hopes for the team. Jenkins also believes Harris has the opportunity to prove himself on the court.

“He has the opportunity to play for a good coach,” Jenkins said. “I told him that he already has his foot in the door so he just has to play well. Jason will do well. He is a survivor.”

Alicia de la Garza can be reached at [email protected]