Is Harris' draft stock rising?

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Chris Dortch, the editor of Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook, wrote an intriguing piece on Tobias Harris, which was featured on NBA.com this morning.

Dortch argues that although Harris doesn’t have that one standout skill which would earn him a spot in the league, he possesses a “package of skills” that should serve him well in the NBA.

At the top of that list is work ethic.

“I’ve covered college basketball all my adult life, and I’ve never come across an 18-year-old — not one — who has a better work ethic, or is more driven and focused than Tobias Harris,” Dortch boldly wrote.

Harris has always had his eye on the prize. Even before college, his ultimate goal was to play professional basketball and it was widely accepted that he had the skill set to do so. Many believed his stint in college would consist of one or two years tops.

After he arrived at Tennessee, Harris didn’t rely on someone else to help make his dream a reality; he made sacrifices to better himself. While in Knoxville, Harris put in double — or even triple — the amount of work that was required of him, well above the NCAA limit of 20 hours per week according to Dortch.

Tennessee coach Cuonzo Martin was only on campus with Harris for a short time, but was impressed by what he saw.

“His approach to workouts is unbelievable,” Martin said. “I try to get into the office early in the morning and get in a workout. Tobias would always be in the gym before me — and we’re talking 6:30 — and then be back in at 3 p.m. to work out with the team. He also finished strong in the classroom.”

Most projections still have Harris going in the draft somewhere in the 15-22 range. However, there appear to be some whispers that he could be drafted higher.

 

Source: Tireless work ethic helping Harris climb draft charts[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]