What is West Virginia Getting in Transfer Sencire Harris?

Sencire Harris, a 6-foot-4 guard, committed to West Virginia on Sunday afternoon by way of Illinois. Harris is a quick-witted guard with three years of eligibility remaining. What can Harris provide short-term and long-term to the Mountaineers?

Harris was once a four-star recruit out of St. Vincent/St. Mary’s High School in Ohio, the same high school LeBron James attended. Harris played his freshman season at Illinois before head coach Brad Underwood redshirted him during this past season. Underwood said Harris is a good player but needed a development year.

“One of the things that he understands about his development is that he needs to get stronger, he needs to get bigger,” Underwood told Illini media back during the preseason.

Harris posted 3.7 points and 2.1 rebounds per game his freshman year, averaging 14.5 minutes in 33 games. The Canton, Ohio native even started seven games for the NCAA Tournament-bound Fighting Illini in the 2023 season.

By Illinois redshirting Harris, it gave the guard an extra year to work on developing while saving a year of eligibility, which is great for West Virginia. With Harris not grandfathered in with the COVID year options, he will have three years to play for the Mountaineers.

Coaches say all the time that the summer after your freshman year is the most important time to develop. Harris got a full calendar year, practicing with the likes of Terrence Shannon Jr. and Marcus Domask.

Will Harris immediately insert himself into WVU’s starting backcourt next season? Only time will tell with who else Darian DeVries and his staff get from the transfer portal. In the future, Harris has the ability to become a player contributing major minutes.

Harris is a quick guard who slashes to the rim the majority of the time, whether that’s a finish at the basket or a runner. Harris will take the jump shot when the defense provides enough space. Harris took 41 three-point shots, making 13 (32%) during the 2022-23 season. On the defensive end, the analytics favor Harris’ game, who gives high energy.

Check out Harris’ highlights provided by Transfer Tapes on YouTube.