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Former Buckeye Harris wants to play in NBA

Springfield native is back from Finland to show scouts what he can do against tougher competition.

Erie Bayhawk Ivan Harris dribbles the ball down the court during the game against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants on April 11 at Tullio Arena. JANET B. CAMPBELL/

Janet B. Campbell Erie Bayhawk Ivan Harris dribbles the ball down the court during the game against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants on April 11 at Tullio Arena. JANET B. CAMPBELL/

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The D-League means exposure for Ivan Harris

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By Michael Cooper, Staff Writer Updated 1:46 AM Saturday, April 18, 2009

ERIE, Pa. — Ivan Harris has one goal: to play in the National Basketball Association.

The 6-foot-7-inch Springfield native’s journey has included stops in Columbus at Ohio State University and in Finland. But to be more visible to NBA teams, he had to return home.

Harris spent this season with the Erie BayHawks of the NBA Development League, also known as the D-League, where players hone their skills with hopes of catching on with an NBA team.

“Last year, (the scouts) didn’t see me play,” Harris said. “Coming out of college, I was a starter, but I wasn’t a star at Ohio State. I think this will help me skill-wise and give me an opportunity to play against the top guys in the country.”

Harris said the level of play is visibly different in the D-League.

“Overseas, it’s more finesse, a lot of shooters,” Harris said. “(In the D-League) there are a lot of bangers down low. They’re faster and more athletic. There’s always a team that has a tough matchup.”

Erie coach John Treloar said Harris has improved tremendously this season, especially on defense.

Overseas, Harris played his natural position, small forward. But for the undersized BayHawks, Harris played power forward, often against much bigger players.

“He hasn’t complained about it,” Treloar said. “He’s worked to do the job. I’m really pleased with how it’s gone for him. If he just stays with it, something really good is going to happen for him.”

Like realizing his NBA dream.

»D-League means playing for scouts Article on C4

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