NWF State’s Harris commits to MTSU

10/25/2013 – By BRANDON WALKER

NICEVILLE – Before he even plays his first game for Northwest Florida State College's basketball team, Darnell Harris already knows his next destination.

Harris, a sophomore forward from Milwaukee, committed Wednesday morning to finish his collegiate basketball career at Middle Tennessee State University.

"I just really like their program, their coaches and everything about them," said Harris, who transferred to Northwest Florida State this summer after a strong freshman season at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater last season. "Their coaching staff really made me feel like my success was their top priority. They seemed like they really believe in me as a player and as a person, and I was able to develop a great relationship with them."

Middle Tennessee State, coached by Kermit Davis, Jr., was 28-6 overall a year ago and captured the SunBelt conference championship.

In Harris, MTSU will get a physical 6-foot-8, 225-pound forward that also brings the ability to shoot from three-point range. Harris averaged 11.4 points per game as a freshman at Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he also led the team in rebounding with six per game. He was third on the team with 55 three-pointers made.

First-year NWF State head coach Steve DeMeo was pleased with the sophomore's decision.

"I think MTSU is a great fit for Darnell," said DeMeo, who will coach his first game for the Raiders against Motlow State on Nov. 1. "They have a proven track record of being successful with junior college transfers. Head coach Kermit Davis and his staff did a great job recruiting him, and he should be as successful with the Blue Raiders as he plans to be here."

MTSU currently boasts one NWF State alum in forward Neiko Hunter, who helped the Raiders reached the NJCAA National Championship Game in 2012. Hunter averaged 7.7 points for Middle Tennessee a season ago.

With the plans to continue his career in Murfreesboro already made, Harris will now begin his season for Northwest Florida State at home next Friday night.

"I like this team a lot," said Harris. "We've got size, got some great guards. Personally, I think this can be the best team I've ever played on."