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CATCHING UP WITH TOBIAS HARRIS

By Anthony Jaskulski

Tobias Harris brings a rare quality to the basketball court. He is a big man, with a big frame, that can handle the rock just as well as many point guards his age can.

At 6-foot-8 and around 220 pounds, Harris, a power forward from Brookville, New York, can be seen showing off a complete package, that ranges from big man qualities, pulling down strong rebounds on both ends, and garnering fantastic position amongst the biggest on the floor, as well as a string on the ball when driving the lane, and a perimeter shot that is dependable.

A part of the 2010 class, from Half Hallow (Dix) West Nigh School, Harris has shown his most dangerous attribute in his defensive skills. Tobias can play the post, as well guard perimeter players with near-impeccable status. In his weekend run at the Pittsburgh Jam Fest last month with his AAU team, the Unique All Stars, Harris exhibited tight, pressure defense on his opponents, and several times popped the ball out for steals leading to breakaway plays both on the post and perimeter.

You can expect immediate results from a defensive-minded player with such an aggressive style, and calm, precision on offense on the next level.

Here is what Tobias had to say in a Q&A segment following the Pittsburgh Jam Fest this year.

Q. What kind of schools have been interested in you?

A. I get a lot of looks from the Big East like UCONN, Louisville, Georgetown and Syracuse, and Big 12 schools like Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas. Places like USC, Wake Forest, Virginia and Tennessee I’ve heard from. Just a big list of schools right now.

Q. You have a lot of interest in Big East schools according to your list. What attracts you to this conference?

A. I like the fact that they showed interest in me and I watched a lot of Big East basketball this year. It’s very aggressive, and they are all tough teams. I like the confidence the teams show, and how so many of them make the NCAA (tournament) every year.

Q. What do you think separates your game from other players?

A. I think being 6-8 and being able to dribble and shoot and play point guard. Playing a mixed style like that and being big helps me gain an advantage.

Q. What position do you consider yourself? It seems you can play almost any position at any time.

A. High school I play a small forward, basically a wing. I can play the other positions, but playing out of the small forward position makes me feel a little more comfortable. I have more freedom in that spot.

Q. Is there something you think you need to improve?

A. I think my defense could use more work. I’m trying to be an all-around player, but I really focus on the defense and trying to make myself one of the best out there in that area.

Q. How has playing for the Unique All Stars, and going to different tournaments with elite players from all over the country helped you?

A. You get so many challenges from a lot of different players you probably would never face just playing high school basketball. You can face a team from New Jersey one day and a team from Virginia the next. Everything changes and new, different players with different styles you get to face every time in (AAU) tournaments.