Mike Harris Works
Mike Harris ended his career at Rice University as the leading scorer (2,014 points) and the leading rebounder (1,111 boards) in the history of the school. Now, Harris is working his way to make the Houston Rockets 2007 - 2008 roster.
Through the Rockets first two preseason games, Harris believes he's done pretty well.
"In the beginning, when I first got out there (on the court), I was thinking a little bit too much; but, overall, I think I did pretty good. Not trying to force anything. Not trying to do anything fancy. Coach (Rick Adelman) always reiterates that when he's in the locker room -- 'Don't try to be fancy. You can make the simple and it's still going to work in this offense.' I've been focusing on that and just playing hard. Doing what I do and bring energy to the team."
Harris, 6'5, is making the transition from being the post player at Rice to playing away from the basket as a Rocket. His position on the Rockets' team is difficult, even for him, to define.
"I don't really know. I am playing a little bit of three (small forward). I'm playing some four (power forward). I think that helps me -- the ability that I can guard and defend bigger guys -- I think that helps me out a lot. Then, the fact that maybe I have the advantage on them on offense (with quickness); and, the smaller guys -- I can post them up. In this offense, Coach likes to take advantage of the mismatches; so, I think that will help me as far as rebounding, etc.
Really, I don't know. I haven't tried to put myself in a certain position. Where ever they put me to play, I'm going to play."
Harris tries not to think about his chances of making the Rockets.
"I try not to think about it. When you think about it, you start thinking about stuff that you might need to do - 'I need to do this against this person. I need to that against that person.' I can't control that. Right now, I just focus on going out and playing hard everyday. Doing what they ask me to do. Coming in early. Staying after. Doing the things I already do. I figure everything will take care of itself. I just take the advice and feedback they give me; and, try to come back the next day and work on it."
Depending on which direction the Rockets coaching staff decides to mold the team, Harris may not make the final cut; but, if Harris is let go by the team, it will not be due to lack of hard work.
Through the Rockets first two preseason games, Harris believes he's done pretty well.
"In the beginning, when I first got out there (on the court), I was thinking a little bit too much; but, overall, I think I did pretty good. Not trying to force anything. Not trying to do anything fancy. Coach (Rick Adelman) always reiterates that when he's in the locker room -- 'Don't try to be fancy. You can make the simple and it's still going to work in this offense.' I've been focusing on that and just playing hard. Doing what I do and bring energy to the team."
Harris, 6'5, is making the transition from being the post player at Rice to playing away from the basket as a Rocket. His position on the Rockets' team is difficult, even for him, to define.
"I don't really know. I am playing a little bit of three (small forward). I'm playing some four (power forward). I think that helps me -- the ability that I can guard and defend bigger guys -- I think that helps me out a lot. Then, the fact that maybe I have the advantage on them on offense (with quickness); and, the smaller guys -- I can post them up. In this offense, Coach likes to take advantage of the mismatches; so, I think that will help me as far as rebounding, etc.
Really, I don't know. I haven't tried to put myself in a certain position. Where ever they put me to play, I'm going to play."
Harris tries not to think about his chances of making the Rockets.
"I try not to think about it. When you think about it, you start thinking about stuff that you might need to do - 'I need to do this against this person. I need to that against that person.' I can't control that. Right now, I just focus on going out and playing hard everyday. Doing what they ask me to do. Coming in early. Staying after. Doing the things I already do. I figure everything will take care of itself. I just take the advice and feedback they give me; and, try to come back the next day and work on it."
Depending on which direction the Rockets coaching staff decides to mold the team, Harris may not make the final cut; but, if Harris is let go by the team, it will not be due to lack of hard work.
posted by Kris Gardner @ 12:36 PM
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