Each and every time Phenom Hoop Report gets to report or sees a commitment from a player we have seen over the years, it is always a fantastic day. It is great to see players achieve their goal to play at the next level and it is such a great accomplishment for that player.
Here is the latest commitment.
Player: Toby Harris
Class: 2021
Committed to: Brandeis University
What the Player Said:
Q: How does it feel now to have that decision behind you and all the hard work paying off'
Harris: It's amazing. When I stepped on the Brandeis campus, I knew it felt right. Making this decision has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders, and I could not be more excited to be a part of the Brandeis team. It has been my dream since I was 7 to play college basketball and to see all the work I put in finally pay off means so much to me and the people who have supported me throughout this whole process.
Q: What were some of the ultimate factors that went into your decision'
Harris: It was a super tough decision to make as all the schools I was looking at were great schools and I had relationships with all the coaches. For me, it came down to the location as being near a big city like Boston was the selling point for me. I also wanted to go somewhere I was wanted, and for me, this meant not waiting for a division one offer.
Q: What did the staff say when you told them and committed'
Harris: They were all excited and said they were really looking forward to next season. They feel that they have the building blocks to win not only conference championships but national championships and I am lucky to be a part of a growing program!
Q: What are they hoping you can bring to the table with your game'
Harris: My versatility is something they looked at as important as I am tall but can also shoot the ball.
Q: What will you be focusing on now with your decision behind you'
Harris: Now I'm looking to lead my high school team in whatever season we get, and continue to get stronger and better to be ready for the next season!
Stats Last Season:
Last season, Toby Harris played in 33 games for Durham Academy, averaging 12.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 0.5 steals per game. He finished the season with 87 3-pointers, hitting 44 percent of his shots from outside and 47 percent overall.
What Was Said by Phenom Hoops:
'It is perplexing why more schools continue to not be in with Harris but that may change with his showing at the Top 80. Harris made multiple, high IQ type plays while also showing a pure shooting stroke on the court.' – Patrick O'Brien at NC Top 80 in 2020
'Though he's been fairly dominant all summer, Harris arguably boosted his stock by thriving as a high-level complementary piece on both ends of the floor. He's a smooth shooter with incredible spot-up ability, but also understands how to score around the basket and make a lasting impact as a defender and rebounder.' – Jeff Bendel at NC Top 80
'There seem to be some misconceptions about his position since he stands at 6-foot-7 and possesses a wiry frame. Harris is not an undersized big man or a floor-spacing forward. He is a skilled, versatile, offensive machine with a phenomenal combination of IQ, shooting, and passing. Harris is a quality athlete and better than opponents think defensively'both at accumulating blocks and defending in space. Although he needs to continue adding strength, his overall toughness isn't really in question.' – Toby Harris: An Underdog Story
