News Summary

SPRINGFIELD — Things happen fast in the pro basketball world.

Springfield native Ivan Harris found that out, uh, quickly.

In little over a month, the South High School and Ohio State University product went from an unsigned hopeful at a National Basketball Development League tryout camp in Fort Wayne, Ind., to a signed contract and an invitation to the training camp of the Erie BayHawks, the NBDL franchise of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In between, he was drafted by the NBDL team and met Cleveland superstar LeBron James and gained Cavs assistant coach Chris Jent as a supporter.

"Coach Jent told me to keep working hard and I'll put in a good word for you," said Harris, of his chance meeting during a Cavs-Wizards exhibition game at Ohio State last month. "The guy who interviewed me told everybody I had a great workout, too."

That and an impressive effort at an open tryout in Akron last month has Harris ready to take the next step in his pro career when the BayHawks' camp opens Friday, Nov. 14.

"I've been working hard getting ready for this training camp," Harris said.

"This will help me get looked at more than playing overseas," he continued. "More NBA teams can look at me and see what I can do, what I am working on. I've been watching a lot of NBA games and I feel I can fill some of their shoes."

Harris' first pro game for Erie would be on Nov. 28, if he makes the team. First things first, though.

"The training camp is two weeks long and there's three cuts," Harris said.

But he didn't sound worried.

"They told me I'm already on the team, but they still want me to go to the training camp," Harris said. "I don't think the cuts will get me."

Harris, who averaged 14 points and five rebounds per game overseas last season, says he's a more well-rounded player.

"I can shoot the three and jumpers; everyone knows I can shoot," he said. "I just want to lay on the table that I've been working on these things. I'm going to try to show my ball-handling and my defense, and going to the basket. This is the time to show it."

If the NBDL doesn't workout, "I'll go back overseas." But Harris is hoping to stay in snowy Erie, Pa., this winter.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0364 or krowe@coxohio.com.