Michigan State University Athletics
Spartan Profile: Eron Harris
1/14/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
By Kellie Van Maele, MSU Athletic Communications
He may have been overlooked dancing on the sideline last season, but fast-forward to this season and it is becoming difficult to overlook him on the court.
Eron Harris, a transfer student from West Virginia University sat out during the 2014-15 season under NCAA transfer rules, but Harris used that time on the sidelines to his advantage.
The 6-foot-3 guard made his debut as a Spartan in November and has improved tenfold since stepping foot on the court. With his season-high 27 points and 33 minutes versus Oakland University at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Dec. 22, Harris' talent is just beginning to shine.
"It's crazy being here," Harris said about being a Spartan. "Being at West Virginia I had no idea what was next, then I came to Michigan State and watched my team go to the Final Four last year. Something like that was not normal for me. It was so special to be a part of something that big â€" very surreal."
During his last year at West Virginia, Harris started in 32 of 33 games, averaging 17.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game for the Mountaineers. He was the second-leading scorer on the team and ranked fourth in the Big 12 in scoring.
Now a Spartan, Harris' keys to success have been patience and a clear mentality.
"Knowing the fact that I could not control that I was not out on the court last year was what helped keep me patient," Harris said. "Rules are rules, so I used it as a time to work on my mentality. Having patience is something that you either have or you don't, but it's something that you can work on. It's a state of mind. I just used that time off to work on that."
During his first games as a Spartan, Harris was set to live up to high expectations, according to coach Tom Izzo. Regardless of a slow start to the season, Harris has certainly stepped up.
"Before I came here I only knew [Izzo] as an icon, a powerful man and a great coach," Harris said. "For him to want me to succeed as much as he does, that speaks volumes. It's a blessing for me and I am appreciative of it. I am still trying my hardest to fully get into my groove here, but I know he is going to get me to where he wants me to be. That's what he wants for his players, only the best."
With Izzo is his corner, the Indianapolis native has been able to handle the pressures of being a transfer student. From being a leading scorer for WVU to playing for a top team in the nation, Harris has maintained a level head.
The first thing that Harris had to get used to at MSU was being recognized. He "had never been in a position like this," but understands he is here for a reason â€" basketball. Once he realized what came with playing ball at a school like MSU, he knew he had to live up to his potential.
"Since I've been at Michigan State, I've had to switch my mentality to greatness," Harris said. "I've had to step everything up. That's what this school is all about and our team is all about. We want to achieve greatness."
Harris' transition to MSU was eased by Izzo's guidance, but Harris also received a very warm welcome from his teammates, something that has stuck with him since he has been here.
When he was welcomed, he was welcomed as another family member. Harris "still remembers to this day" the connections he felt during his first practice as a Spartan.
"I had no idea what to expect, really," Harris said. "The opportunity came up for me to play for Tom Izzo and I didn't think twice, but I didn't know what else I was getting myself into. Now I'm a part of the family here, almost like I've been here my whole life, my whole career. I am totally engraved in this team."
Now with his "family," Harris and the rest of the Spartans have the opportunity to create something special â€" win a national championship. In order to achieve this, however, Harris has taken it into his own hands to set personal goals. To him, if he can achieve his goals, it will only help his team get to the Final Four in April.
His list of goals includes stepping up his defensive game, continuing to work on his scoring and to be a better leader. Now that Harris is on the court, he is in the perfect position to do so.
"After waiting all of last season, which felt like forever, I was finally able to get out on the court," Harris said. "It was so surreal because the time had finally come and I really thought it never would. Now here it is. I'm here and everything feels so right."
It is obvious that Harris has come a long way from WVU, but he understands he needs to continue to work toward his goals. He has expectations to live up to â€" Tom Izzo's expectations, that is â€" but a daunting task like that fuels his passion to win.
"At this point, we are going to continue our ‘one-game-at-a-time' mentality," Harris said. "We are going to keep winning games, we are going to improve every day and we are going to become a championship team. As long as we keep up that mindset, who knows what is going to happen from there. Hopefully a national championship, because then we would be able to make some of our dreams come true."
