Paul Harris was a muscular explosive forward for Syracuse basketball.

Harris came to Syracuse with extremely high expectations from Orange fans, many expecting him to be the next Carmelo Anthony. Harris had been a high school All-American at both Niagara Falls High School and Notre Dame Prep. He had a chiseled body and extremely long wingspan for a player of his size.

Harris was not the next Melo, but he had an outstanding freshman season. He was a phenomenal rebounder averaging 7+ rebounds a game despite playing about 21 minutes a game. In the Big East tournament, he had 15 rebounds and 24 points against Notre Dame in the semi-final loss. He was explosive to the hoop with thunderous dunks, and was aggressive running the court. On defense he played solid in man to man, but struggled to fit into the Jim Boeheim zone defense.

He also struggled on the offensive end of the court. Harris displayed no perimeter shooting skill. In high school he was used to having the ball in his hands all the time, and he often appeared lost of offense moving without the ball. Despite his offensive limitations, he still managed 8.6 points a game in limited playing time. Harris was named to the Big East All-Rookie Team.

Harris had developed a decent mid range jump shot by his sophomore season. He was still reckless at times on the court, and had difficulties at playing without the ball in his hands. He continued to be an outstanding rebounder, and would lead them team in rebounds. Harris would shift to shooting guard with the loss of Eric Devendorf due to injury, and Scoop Jardine to a suspension. Harris' would flourish offensively from this new position on the court.

Harris' recklessness on the court would cost the Orange down the stretch. In a pivotal game against Pittsburgh, with the Orange ahead, Harris was unable to handle the inbounds pass nor able to get it to a teammate, resulting in a turnover allowing Pitt to get the ball and score, winning the game.

© RLYoung 2007, 2008