Harris aids Paradise for Vols

KNOXVILLE -- The Tennessee men's basketball team enjoyed a picturesque setting in the Virgin Islands on Thursday while receiving arguably the biggest recruiting news in program history.

Tobias Harris, a versatile 6-foot-8 forward from New York, became the Volunteers' highest rated signee ever when he faxed his national letter of intent to Knoxville.

Rivals.com rates Harris as the nation's top power forward and No. 5 overall prospect. Scout.com considers him the No. 2 power forward and No. 9 overall prospect, and ESPN considers him the No. 3 power forward and No. 7 overall prospect.

Harris, a relative of former NBA star George "Ice Man" Gervin, announced his decision live Thursday afternoon from New York City on ESPNU. He had dozens of offers but ultimately chose the Volunteers over Syracuse, Kentucky, Louisville, Georgia Tech, Maryland and West Virginia.

Rivals analyst Jerry Meyer wrote that Harris is "still physically developing but has an advanced skill level as a hybrid forward.

"He handles the ball at a high level and can score it with touch from the outside and also score inside with more of a power game," Meyer added. "Harris is a difficult matchup for opposing 4 men with his versatile skill set."

Thursday's announcement was short and to the point, with Harris describing his "great relationship" with coach Bruce Pearl and the UT staff. The fact the Vols have four seniors in their current starting lineup added to his possibility of immediate playing time.

Harris and his father, Torrel, made multiple trips -- many at their own expense -- to every school Tobias seriously considered. They sneaked in an extra visit to Knoxville for Tuesday night's 124-49 blowout of UNC-Asheville.

Pearl and his players celebrated Harris's decision Thursday, but the coach eventually settled his players into preparation for the Paradise Jam. Tenth-ranked UT (2-0) plays a first-round game today at 3:30 p.m. against East Carolina (1-2).

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