Denver Nuggets Guard Gary Harris Starts Showcase Event for Seniors to Earn Scholarships
Gary Harris just simply did not think it was fair.
The Denver Nuggets guard remembered his two seasons at Michigan State being “the best years of my life,” learning life lessons and making connections that he still has today.
“The college experience is so important,” Harris said. “I experienced college as a basketball player, and I loved everything about it. When I thought about younger players not getting the chance to earn their way into college, I had to do something.”
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To that end, Harris teamed up with the Fuller Youth Foundation to start the Cosmic Classic Showcase to
to aid high school basketball players adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CCS will commence on April 4 in Indianapolis during the Final Four and feature everything from 3-point and dunk contests to boys and girls showcase games, which will be livestreamed through SUVtv to more than 250 colleges. NCAA rules currently prohibit college coaches from in-person recruiting due to the pandemic.
“I just looked at them missing out on everything this year; summer ball, high school ball in a lot of cases then even things like prom and things like that,” Harris said. “These kids have had so much taken away from them, I had to do something to give back.”
The CCS will also produce highlight clips for each participant, which will include both game footage and individual workouts and distributed to the colleges as well.
RJ Hunter knows all too well about the importance of having opportunities to showcase your skills as a senior. He broke his foot the summer before his final high school season and missed the chance to earn more scholarships.
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Eventually, Hunter signed with Georgia State and went on to play for the Boston Celtics.
“You can’t earn the scholarship if they don’t see you,” said Hunter, who founded Cosmic Clothing Line. “That could’ve ruined my basketball career, so if I was in these kids’ position, I would be so thankful that a guy like Gary is giving them this platform.”
Former Missouri associate head coach Tim Fuller said that the CCS is a culmination of a dream Harris and Hunter had during their AAU playing days.
“They used to sit on the back of the bus and dream about making it and giving opportunities to younger guys,” said Fuller, who serves as event coordinator for the CCS. “It’s just really selfless of them, especially with them being under 30. This is a potentially life-changing event for these kids, so the opportunity they’re providing can’t be understated.”