Jermaine Harper, a 6-3 combo guard from the University of Virginia by way of
Gardena, CA, has enrolled at Cal State Fullerton. NCAA rules require D1 transfers
to sit out one year so Harper will not be able to play until the 2004-05 season.
He can, however, practice with the team.
"I'm really excited to bring a player of Jermaine's caliber to our program,"
said Titans' Head Coach Bob Burton. "He will be an asset to this year's
team as a practice player and will bring big-time Div. I experience to our team
in 2004-05, when we will be looking for new leadership."
Harper obtained
his release back in April and it has been reported he was unhappy with his
playing time. As a freshman for the Cavaliers he averaged 17 minutes per game
(19 in conference play) but during his sophomore season that dropped to 13 minutes
(12 in conference).
Harper started three games as a freshman, and averaged 5.8 points. Last year
he missed much of the preseason due to illness and was suspended for violating
team rules. Harper was reinstated after five games and played in Virginia's
last 27 games, averaging 3.9 points and 13 minutes.
According to SoCalHoops.com,
after he signed with Virginia, "Harper is one of the quickest guards
around, with sprinter-like speed, great defensive ability and he gets up and
to the basket, even in heavy traffic with ease and tenacity. We think of him
sort of like the third Craven brother: Hard-working, perhaps one of the
tougher players in this year's crop of guards, not quite a proficient outside
shooter, but a scorer , who will come in and be an immediate impact player."
Harper, who played some high school ball at Gardena High is a Southern
California native.
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