Joe Harris: The Virginia Cavaliers' Blue Collar Star Player

By Horran Cameron
Peter Casey USA TODAY Sports

There are not too many people who know who Joe Harris is. I am quite sure that you went to school with a Joe Harris, or possibly the mailman in your neighborhood is named Joe Harris. The Joe Harris that I am discussing is the leading scorer for the Virginia Cavaliers 15.2 points per game.

In addition, Harris  is sixth in scoring in the ACC (15.2), tenth in field goal percentage in the ACC(46.6%), tenth in free throw percentage in the ACC (73.9), and first in three-point field goal percentage in the ACC (45.9%). Keep in mind that Virginia is ranked last in scoring in the ACC at 62.6 points per game. Harris accounts for 24% of the Cavaliers’ offense.

Currently, Virginia is tied for second place in the ACC with the Duke Blue Devils with a 5-2 record. Notable victories for Virginia include wins against the North Carolina Tar Heels and the North Carolina State Wolfpack.

With these numbers, you would expect for Joe Harris to be a household name. Actually, it is since it is a common name (pun intended). Harris should garner attention to be a first team all-ACC selection this selection. He is the best player on his team and the driving force behind Virginia being tied with Duke for second place at this point in the season.

I expect for Erick Green (Virginia Tech Hokies), C.J. Leslie (N.C. State Wolfpack), Mason Plumlee (Duke Blue Devils), and either Ryan Anderson (Boston College Eagles) or Seth Curry (Duke Blue Devils) to round out the 2013 first team All-ACC selections. When Virginia plays a good team, Harris steps his game up.

On Nov. 28, Harris amassed 22 points, five rebounds and five assists to help Virginia upset the Wisconsin Badgers, 60-54. When Virginia faced North Carolina on Jan. 6, Harris finished the game with 19 points and five rebounds in a 62-51 victory. Against N.C. State on Jan. 29, Harris scored 22 of Virginia’s 58 points in a 3-point victory.

Clearly, this junior is coming into his own this season and he deserves accolades for his accomplishments. If Virginia wins the regular season ACC Championship, then Harris should be a unanimous selection for the 2013 ACC Player of the Year.

Share On FacebookShare StumbleUpon

You May Also Like