:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31621499/21040327_pjc_usa_078.0.jpg)
Though it comes as no surprise, Gary Harris and MSU officially announced that Harris is heading to the NBA after 2 seasons with the Spartans. Harris was widely expected to leave East Lansing this year and the early indications were right. Several reporters broke the news on Twitter this afternoon:
ESPN is reporting that Michigan State guard Gary Harris is headed to the NBA. Projected as a 1st Round pick. #Spartans
— Thomas Beindit (@tbeindit) April 14, 2014
Gary Harris (MSU) has officially declared for the 2014 NBA Draft. #NBADraft #spartans
— BT Powerhouse (@BTpowerhouse) April 14, 2014
It's official. Michigan State announces Gary Harris is going pro.
— Mike Wilson (@MikeWScout) April 14, 2014
Here are some of the quotes from Harris regarding the situation. He appears to have enjoyed his time in East Lansing and displayed no regrets after returning for his sophomore year:
Gary Harris: "The last two years have been the best of my life, but it’s time to follow my dream and declare for the NBA Draft." #MSU
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) April 14, 2014
Harris: "There hasn’t been a single day where I regretted my decision to return for my sophomore season." Says it prepared him for NBA.
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) April 14, 2014
Harris is currently projected as a strong 1st Round NBA Draft selection and many believe he has a great shot to land in the NBA Lottery as well. The Spartans will have a challenge replacing Harris' production next year. Here is what The Only Colors (SBNation's MSU site) had to say after Harris' departure:
"While we'll miss Gary next season, he's a lock to go in the first round. He had to go. As for the Spartans next season, they'll have plenty of people take turns at shooting guard next season (Denzel Valentine, Alvin Ellis, Javon Bess, even Travis Trice if Trice and Lourawls Nairn are on the court at the same time). That said, Gary will be greatly missed next season, and we wish him all the best in the NBA next season.
This is just one of the announcements that could make this a fantastic NBA Draft year for the Big Ten and Michigan State as they now have 3 potential draft picks.