Forward Tyler Harris is leaving the N.C. State basketball team. The school confirmed Harris' decision to transfer on Wednesday morning.
Harris is the third Wolfpack player, and second reserve forward, to transfer since the season ended with a loss to Kansas in the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament on March 23.
Harris, a 6-8 small forward, averaged 1.8 points and 1.2 rebounds in 19 games as a freshmen. He played seven minutes in the loss to Kansas, his most game action since the end of November.
"Thank you for everything Wolfpack it's been great," Harris wrote on his Twitter account on Wednesday. "I'm going to miss being here and being with my bros."
In a statement released by the school, coach Mark Gottfried said: “I’m disappointed that my staff and I won’t have the opportunity to continue working with Tyler. I wish him well in his future academic and athletic pursuits.”
Playing time was an issue for Harris, who was in the last recruiting class signed by former coach Sidney Lowe. Harris averaged 6.9 minutes per game, under Gottfried, with three starts in November, and he didn't play in 18 games.
With Harris' exit, and the previous transfer of forward DeShawn Painter to Old Dominion, N.C. State's depth at forward will be tested. Gottfried said last week he was counting on 7-footer Jordan Vandenberg, who redshirted as a junior last season, to play an expanded role behind returning starters C.J. Leslie and Richard Howell.
Sophomore Thomas de Thaey, who played sparingly last season, and freshman T.J. Warren are also options in the frontcourt.
N.C. State is still in the running for Amile Jefferson, a McDonald's All-American forward from Philadelphia. The Wolfpack and Duke have been recruiting Jefferson, a 6-8 forward ranked No. 25 in the recruiting class by ESPN's Dave Telep.
Comments
JPD, helicopter parenting
Fri, 05/04/2012 - 10:25 — awdracerJPD, helicopter parenting indeed.
If Tyler's dad wanted what was best for Tyler he would tell him to stick it out and fight for a spot on the floor. That is how character and skills are built. How will Tyler benefit from being yanked out of school and shopped around to another school that has an opening at his position. Will it help to be given the position? Will it help him to sit out a year?
Will this help him get to the NBA? If he does get to the NBA, will it help him survive in the NBA when no one gives a crap who his dad is or what he has to say?
No, and uh..... no.
some cheating going on!!!!!!!
Wed, 05/02/2012 - 16:20 — bluecat69bluecat69the cow-college will be put on probation this next yr. for recruting violations, so says g-alligator at the GAY BAR last night, he seem to know what he was talking about. u know gotfried was fired at alabama , can u guess what for????? go DUKE!!!!!!!!!!!
So...
Thu, 05/03/2012 - 14:46 — mad_maxIs it a regular occurance for you and gatr to discuss NC State athletics at this gay bar?
I just knew ...
Thu, 05/03/2012 - 19:40 — gvillegatrThis would be the time someone broke down and replied to this POS !
Sometimes
Sat, 05/05/2012 - 11:59 — mad_maxthe ends justify the means. And this was one of those golden opportunities! =)
Agreed
Sun, 05/06/2012 - 15:34 — gvillegatrWhoever he is, he's a dumbass. Bc he put himself at the same gay bar I was apparently at. I dunno, maybe blue gnat is gay ?! I wonder if he'll be at the "polls" on Tuesday voting AGAINST Amendmentt 1 ??!!
Unfortunate
Wed, 05/02/2012 - 12:53 — JPDOhioI have to believe that lack of PT was the main factor in this decision, unless there is a family issue that hasn't been made public yet. Somewhat surprising to me since the opportunity was there to compete for court time, especially after Painter decided to transfer.
This opens the door even more for Thomas DeThaey to step up, although when I suggested this possibility to my son he went all gvillegatr on me. Apparently, he doesn't share my optimism on Thomas' ability to improve over the summer.
Of course, Amile Jefferson is still out there, but for some reason I just don't think he is going to choose the Pack. Can't really explain it, just a feeling.
Tyler
Thu, 05/03/2012 - 14:44 — mad_maxFrom what I've heard, Tyler Harris' dad is overbearing with his sons' basketball careers, and he wants Tyler to be somewhere where he will be a starter. Apparently, the father had issues with multiple high school coaches regarding playing time for Tyler. Sucks that we lose some depth here, but what can you do in a situation like that?
If it is true...
Thu, 05/03/2012 - 16:44 — JPDOhionot much.
It is also a shame and a sign of the times that such things happen even at the collegiate level. Remember Damian Wilkens?
You need a strong coach who doesn't tolerate "me over team" and I think we have one.
Harris' dad
Thu, 05/03/2012 - 19:39 — gvillegatrHis father went as far to start his own AAU team so his son would be guaranteed playing time. Unbelievable.
Seriously
Thu, 05/03/2012 - 21:17 — JPDOhioWhat the kid needs is to stay and compete. Nothing good comes from this type of helicopter parenting.
Sad thing is, Tyler won't achieve his potential without being challenged and his dad is hurting, not helping him. Happens way too often with predictable results.
Yea
Thu, 05/03/2012 - 21:37 — gvillegatrIt is sad. One day Tyler is gonna wake up and realize his father was the reason he never achieved his full potential bc he was made into a nomad.
Good son
Wed, 05/02/2012 - 21:09 — gvillegatrI can already tell he's a hell of a guy if he went Gatr on ya !!! Good man.
You two...
Wed, 05/02/2012 - 21:46 — JPDOhioWould get along very well, and I would be the target of no good!
Guaranteed. :-)