Print and Go Back ESPN.com: College Basketball Rumors [Print without images]

Saturday, February 23, 2013
 Joe Harris' continual rise
By Nic Reiner

 Virginia junior guard Joe Harris is putting his team on his back as the Cavaliers jockey for a top-3 finish in the ACC and strong positioning come NCAA tournament time.

Because UVA plays at such a low pace, per-game numbers can look really deflated. Harris' 16.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists look much more impressive when one notes that Tony Bennett's squad averages 61 possessions per game. Irrespective of pace is the fact that Harris is one of the best shooters in the country. He's making 51.5 percent of his twos and 48.1 of his threes. He does this while handling the ball on over a quarter of possessions and shooting clear and away the most shots out of anybody on his team.

At this point, Virginia's success in March is heavily reliant on whether or not Harris can keep up his efficient play. Let's take it farther. Does Harris have what it takes to succeed in the NBA? Here's Jay Bilas with more.

Jay Bilas
Harris is wing on the rise
"Not every player who has success in the NBA was projected to be an All-Star, and there are countless players who did not capture imaginations because of the seductive power of explosive athleticism or an eye-popping skill set. Instead, some players find a niche in the league and become valuable pieces because they have a singular skill, and Harris has such a skill: He can shoot the ball. At 6-6, Harris has size, is well-built and has a quick release on his jump shot, not to mention excellent form and a repeating stroke. He can score from deep, hits shots coming off screens and can pull up off the bounce."