Men's Basketball Appoints New Assistant Coach

The University of Hartford men’s basketball team has appointed Paul Harris, a former star player with Syracuse University, as its new assistant coach ahead of the 2022-23 season. Harris was voted Preseason Big East Rookie of the Year in 2006.

Since that time, he’s played for the Minnesota Timberwolves' summer league team, and spent 12 years playing basketball in the Philippines, France, and Turkey. He also played in the NBA D League for the Maine Red Claws and the Iowa Energy.

As a student at Niagara Falls High School, Harris led his team to a New York State title in 2005, and was featured in a 2019 ESPNU documentary about his time there and the next generation of players.

Harris lives in West Hartford in his off-seasons with his wife and children.

Head Coach Tom Devitt says he’s impressed with Harris’ humility and soft-spoken nature, balanced with his grit and determination on the court.

“Paul combines touted college and professional playing careers with a passion for teaching young people,” Devitt says. “He’s grateful to call West Hartford home, and we’re thankful he can now positively impact the lives of our student-athletes.”