Top-Rated Recruit Tobias Harris Signs With Tennessee

Tobias Harris, a 6-8 power forward out of Long Island, New York and one of the most sought after recruits in the country, announced on Thursday that he will attend the University of Tennessee. Bruce Pearl’s Vols beat out a list of hopefuls that included Georgia Tech, Maryland, Kentucky, Louisville, Syracuse, and West Virginia.

Harris’ impending decision was the source of much speculation in recent days as the early signing period came to an end on Wednesday. Ranked fifth overall in the country and second at the power forward position by rivals.com, Harris had made his last recruiting visit to Georgia Tech on Monday. However, rumors surfaced that Harris and his family had stopped in Knoxville on the way home to attend the Volunteer game against UNC Asheville, thus fueling speculation that Tennessee would be the choice.

The plot thickened on Wednesday when another New York area power forward, Brooklyn’s Jayvaughn Pinkston, abruptly cancelled a press conference in which he was expected to announce his own signing with Tennessee. This would seem to confirm speculation that the Vols had pulled their offer to Pinkston after receiving a commitment from Harris. With the early signing period now over, Pinkston will have to wait until April 14 to make his decision.

Either way, the Harris signing is major coup for Bruce Pearl’s program. Harris should be an ideal fit in Pearl’s system with his combination of size and athleticism. According to Scouts Inc. Harris has “as good as spring and summer as any player in the country,” flashing an ability to run the floor and operate effectively both on the perimeter and in the paint.

In explaining his decision, Harris told the media, “I really had a great relationship with Coach Pearl and Coach (Tony) Jones. It’s just a family atmosphere down there. I got along with the players real well and it’s just a great opportunity and fit for me.”