Harris Follows Coach to La Salle for Final Season
Basketball Journeyman Finds Stability with Familiar Mentor
Josiah Harris, a college basketball player who has navigated a whirlwind of five different institutions, is settling in for his final collegiate season. His destination: La Salle University, a decision driven by his unwavering trust in head coach Darris Nichols.
A Late Start, A Deep Connection
Harris’s basketball path is unconventional. He only began organized play as a high school sophomore, having honed his skills on Wilmington, Delaware’s outdoor courts. This streetball background presented a steep learning curve, particularly in understanding team concepts and defensive rotations.
“I’ve learned a lot since my junior year to now,” Harris reflected. “I felt like if I had played earlier, my IQ would have probably been higher.”
From Junior Varsity to Division I
Despite a late start, Harris showed promise, earning a captaincy his senior year at William Penn High School. His collegiate journey began with limited Division III offers, leading him to Cowley College in Kansas. There, under coach Tommy DeSalme, he found an environment for personal and basketball growth.
The COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of adaptation, with masked practices and empty arenas becoming the norm. After a season at Cowley, Harris followed DeSalme to Hutchinson College, where he doubled his playing time and helped the team reach the NJCAA Tournament.
New York City Lights and Unforeseen Closures
Seeking a Division I opportunity, Harris landed at St. Francis University in Brooklyn Heights, New York. He quickly became a defensive force, leading the team in blocks and excelling at rebounding. However, his time in New York was cut short when the university announced its closure at the end of the semester.
“So once again, he popped open his computer, ready to send his film around to other Division-I programs.”
Radford Reunion and a Leap of Faith
It was during this period of uncertainty that Harris reconnected with Darris Nichols, who was then coaching at Radford University. This reunion proved pivotal. Harris immediately ceased his recruitment efforts with other schools, convinced that Radford was the right fit, largely due to his relationship with Nichols.
“Once Coach Nichols responded to me, I never went back and responded to emails,” Harris stated. “I just felt a connection and that I could really do well there.”
—Josiah Harris
He found Nichols to be more than just a coach, but a mentor who offered guidance on and off the court. Harris admired Nichols’ ability to be both demanding and approachable.
During his two years at Radford, Harris continued to dominate, consistently ranking among the Big South leaders in rebounding and blocking shots. His 6-foot-9 frame and aggressive play, which he attributes to his Delaware roots and his father’s competitive spirit, became his trademarks.
“It’s from Wilmington,” Harris said. “My dad has that dog in him, and I got that dog in me. I get it from Delaware.”
La Salle Beckons: A Coach-Player Bond
When Nichols accepted the head coaching position at La Salle, Harris’s decision was immediate. He didn’t explore other options, prioritizing the continuity and trust he had built with Nichols.
“It says a lot [about Nichols],” Harris explained. “That’s how much I trust him. I wouldn’t want to go to a new coach and have to learn a new system.”
Now, the duo is set to embark on their first season with the La Salle Explorers, marking the culmination of Harris’s unique collegiate journey. His path, from outdoor courts to the national stage, exemplifies an unexpected rise fueled by resilience and a strong mentor-player connection.
“I come from a small state and not a lot of people make it out,” Harris said. “If I would have thought back to where I was as a junior in high school, I wouldn’t think that I would be here today.”