Tennessee signee Tobias Harris will be sidelined six to eight weeks after breaking the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot in Wednesday night’s McDonald’s High School All-American game in Columbus, Ohio.
Harris’ father, Torrel, confirmed the news after Harris visited his doctor in New York on Thursday afternoon.
“When he went up for a dunk, he stepped on someone’s foot right before he was going up into the air,’’ Torrel Harris said. “We believe there’s a reason why it happened; God has a plan. We know it could have been worse, and we’re thankful it was not.’’
The 6-foot-8 Harris, from Half Hollow Hills West (N.Y.), is rated the No. 1 power forward in the Class of 2010.
He had scored 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting in the 12 minutes he played in the first half of the all-star game. Harris didn’t play in the second half, emerging from the locker room with a protective boot on his right lower leg.
ESPN reported Harris had broken his toe, as that was an injury that had nagged at him throughout his run to the New York high school state championship game.
Harris, New York’s Mr. Basketball was scheduled to appear in the Jordan Brand Classic all-star game in Madison Square Garden in New York City on April 17, but he will now be limited to a spectator role.
Torrel Harris said the injury will give his son time to rest after a busy basketball season.
“My gut reaction is that Tobias has been working and going so hard, maybe God decided he needed a rest before he goes to college,’’ Torrel Harris said. “As hard as he’s been working, he’ll be working twice as hard once he gets up to Tennessee.’’
Torrel Harris said his son’s play Wednesday night received high praise.
“Larry Bird said he loved him, and he’d sign him with the Indiana Pacers today if he could,’’ Torrel Harris said. “You can’t get any higher praise than that.
“But Tobias’ mindset right now is that by June he’ll be ready to kick it up, and then he’ll be ready to try to lead Tennessee to the NCAA championship.’’
Tobias Harris said as much on the Sports Page radio show earlier Thursday.
“I’ll do whatever Coach (Bruce) Pearl asks me to do, defense, diving on the floor, whatever,’’ Tobias Harris said. “I just want to help the team win.’’
Tobias Harris said he visited with coveted Baltimore guard Josh Selby, a one-time Tennessee commitment, while partaking in the McDonald’s All-American game festivities.
“Me and Josh talked a lot about him coming to Tennessee,’’ Harris said. “I don’t know what his plans are right now.’’
Selby, from Baltimore, Md., had 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting in the all-star game. He’s also considering Kansas, Arizona, Kentucky and Connecticut.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
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Comments » 15
Brillovol writes:
You ain't kiddin' WD. I guess a bone injury is better than a knee. Not good news, though.
V_O_L_S_GO_VOLS_GO writes:
I've been following him on Twitter @tobias31. He seems pretty positive about it all. I will say one thing, that after reading all of his posts, this kid is PUMPED to be in orange next fall. He may be a one and done, but he's definitely excited to be a VOL!!! :)
Volunatic writes:
Those all-star games are nothing but trouble. I recall when Kevin Simon tore up his knee in the US Army All-American game and had to sit out a year.
kyvol98 writes:
Just sit out the Jordan Classic and heal.
This kid is going to be special!
huntined#565710 writes:
He will be something SPECIAL at U.T. Hope he got into Shelby's ear. Man that would be great with all we have on their way to TENN.
AtLeastMyTeamHasPerfectSeasons writes:
Arizona. Kentucky. UCONN. Kansas.
Dang, those are what BP is up against for Selby. Those schools have SOOOOOO many more titles and tournament appearances than the Vols.
BUT.....BP's Sweet 16 record is current and could be a big factor.....
volmot writes:
april fool people.
volmot writes:
oops my bad looks like this is for real. DANG!!!!
bugman (Inactive) writes:
yes my bone(s) never lies
CoverOrange writes:
Just got through watching the replay of the Mich St game on CBS College channel. Still hurts. BW and SH missed free throws but you shot close to their season average. What I didn't know was how out character Mich St FT% was. Well above their season avg.
ClockworkOrange writes:
We're inching ever closer. And honestly, even tho Id like to have a UT Final 4 t shirt, We would be the hated team playing against the all-of-a-sudden beloved Butler whatevers. Notice no one in the whole state of IN has ever said two words about them. At least we don't have to deal with the Butler lovefest...right?
rockytop4ever writes:
I like this young man. Sounds like he has a real good head on his shoulders and strong support from his family. If Larry Bird likes him I will take his word for it. Already looking forward to seeing him in orange next year. Rest up and get well big man you got a lot of work ahead of you. GBO!
VolsToTheWall writes:
ahah!
quetstion: Should we expect this kid to be a one and done or has he said he wants to play all 4, or 3 or what?
eduardo writes:
This could only happen to us!!! If the Birdman says so it is good enough for me. Josh Selby do the right thing and pick Tennessee!!! Jim Boeheim as coach of the year??...What the heck???
bdotallen writes:
i dont know. this season was exciting. but if Tobias can make this season better, then he has to be great
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