Elias Harris is averaging more than 12 points per game in three games this season (Photo: SWX)There's something different about Elias Harris this year. A few things, really. The junior forward from Germany is leaner, meaner and flat-out playing better basketball than a year ago.
Speaking with play-by-play announcer Greg Heister, Harris said he dropped about 10 pounds over the summer, and did by simply eating better. He was 245 pounds at the start of summer; he is down to 234 now. And not only does he look better, he is also playing better.
Harris was injured twice last season: first his shoulder and then his Achilles tendon. He played through the pain as much as he could but didn't feel comfortable until the season was almost over.
"It got better the last eight games," said Harris. "It was like, that was me – the old me. Up to that point it was fighting pain, getting treatment, getting practice and a lot of training to get back in shape. It was kind of hard."
His most pivotal decision may have been the one to stay close to campus during the offseason. Harris turned down the opportunity to play for the German national team. Instead, he chose to rehabilitate his injury stateside and work on his own game.
"I feel great now, absolutely," he said.
In the Zags' first three games Harris is averaging 12.6 points and 33 minutes of playing time.
