The NCAA has approved Blake Harris’ waiver for immediate eligibility, allowing the transfer from Missouri to play for NC State immediately, Wolfpack coach Kevin Keatts announced Tuesday.
Harris, a sophomore point guard, was originally slated to sit out the first semester after playing 14 games for his former school last season. He started nine of those games for the Tigers, recording a team-leading 44 assists.
The 6-foot-3 Chapel Hill native will join a crowded backcourt that also includes returning point guards Markell Johnson and Braxton Beverly and fellow transfer Devon Daniels.
“I’m excited for Blake that he has an opportunity to join our team immediately,” Keatts said. “I’m very appreciative of our compliance staff for working diligently with Blake on the waiver and thankful to the NCAA for approving it.”
While the Wolfpack got good news for its backcourt this season, things weren’t as positive up front where four-star power forward Manny Bates will redshirt this season season after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder.
A 6-11 freshman from Fayetteville’s Northwood Temple Academy, Bates dislocated his shoulder earlier this month. He was expected to be a major part of a revamped frontcourt rotation looking to replace both starting big men.
“Obviously this is not how any of us wanted Manny’s college career to begin,” Keatts said in a statement. “But Manny has a positive outlook on the situation and I know he will work hard to rehabilitate his shoulder.”
