Gicarri Harris: Three Thoughts on Purdue's Latest Commitment

Matt Painter got his man on Wednesday when four-star shooting guard Gicarri Harris committed to the Boilermakers. Harris joins four-star wing Kanon Catchings and four-star center Daniel Jacobsen along with three-star prospects shooting guard Jack Benter, combo guard CJ Cox and center Raleigh Burgess in Purdue’s 2024 class. 

Purdue is coming off a season that saw them finish first in the Big Ten and 29-6 overall. They earned a one-seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, and center Zach Edey earned National Player of the Year honors. 

Let’s discuss what Gicarri Harris brings to the Boilermakers.

Who is Gicarri Harris?

Gicarri Harris is the No. 70 player in the 2024 On3 150 and the No. 17 shooting guard in the 2024 On3 Industry Ranking. Along with his two official visits to Purdue, Harris also visited Stanford, Georgia Tech, Miami, Virignia Tech, and LSU.

Harris averaged 17.1 points and 3.5 assists per game for Loganville (GA) Grayson High last season. They finished 24-6 on this season and made a run to the Georgia 7A State semi-finals. 

What does he bring to Purdue?

Gicarri Harris is a basketball player; it is as simply put as that. He has a sturdy frame, with good positional size and length and the confidence to play on or off the ball. Harris’ game can fit into a lot of boxes and play in a lot of different styles. 

When asked to play on the ball, he is best as a complimentary guard or when playing with another ball handler. He has good vision, able to make reads and process plays. While he does not have blow-by-you speed, he has a confident handle and a good pace. He is able to get you on his hip and keep you there. 

Off the ball, Harris is a versatile scorer. He is capable of getting to the rim in transition or knocking down jump shots in the half-court. There is a smooth and confident nature to his game, one that can play up-tempo or slow the pace down and be effective either way. 

Defensively, you like his toughness. He is able to slide his feet with the ball handler or get into the passing plays. He plays with a competitive fire that you see on that end of the floor, able to guard multiple perimeter positions. While an average to above-average athlete, he is not the most dynamic player on the court. However, his basketball IQ and toughness have led to consistent production, no matter the setting. 

He is the son of former No. 1 NBA Draft pick and Purdue alum Glenn Robinson.

How does Harris fit in the lineup?

Matt Painter started two freshmen in the backcourt last season and won the Big Ten. He has not been as active as others in the portal and has shown that he is willing to play players early and develop them throughout their stay in West Lafayette.

The 2023 class brought in a single player, four-star small forward Myles Colvin, an explosive wing who should find time this season. Jack Benter, a local recruit, is another shooting guard similar position to Harris. CJ Cox is more of a combo guard. Harris should fit well beside Kanon Catchings, Daniel Jacobsen, and Raleigh Burgess. Both of Purdue’s starting guards, Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer, have two years of eligibility remaining after this season. 

Harris should be able to find the rotation early in his career.

Harris talks Purdue

“We’ve had a great relationship with their coaching staff since the beginning of my 10th-grade year,” Harris said. “Purdue was my 1st official visit last September. they’ve watched a ton of my high school and AAU games in person, and they did a home visit back in April.”

“My visit to Purdue was great. I got to see everything on the campus, such as the main gym, practice facilities, weight room, and team dining room, and I got to watch the football game as well,” Harris said. “I also got to hang out with a bunch of the players after their practice and was able to see what it’s like to be a student-athlete at Purdue, along with some current commitments. My overall visit was a great experience! Purdue is in contact with me weekly and has also come to see me in person for games.”