Big Ten Freshman of the Year Gary Harris’ return to Michigan State a win for college game
The lure of big money from the NBA continues to rob college basketball of its best young talent, and understandably so. But the college game won one Thursday when Michigan State freshman Gary Harris decided to remain in school for another year.
Harris was the first Michigan State player in history to win the Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Year award after averaging 13 points a game and being named the team's most valuable player.
"Playing in the NBA is definitely a goal of mine, and something that I've always dreamed of, but those dreams can wait for another day," Harris said in a press release from the school. "I think additional experience and maturity will be huge in my development as a player. I have other dreams of things I want to accomplish, both as a player and as a team at Michigan State. I love college life, and I'm no hurry to move on."
Coach Tom Izzo and Michigan State fans are awaiting decisions from 6-foot-10 center Adreian Payne and 6-1 guard Keith Appling about their future. If those two join Harris in returning, the Spartans could be the preseason favorite in the Big Ten.
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