Josh Harris (196-F, college: Illinois Coll.) is a 196cm guard that was briefly overseas in Germany for his rookie season with the TuS59 Hamm Stars and team Nikola Tesla in Hamburg. He played at Illinois College (NCAA3) form 2021-2025 playing a total of 98 games. In his freshman season he averaged 5.0ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 29.6%, FT: 61.1%. In his second season he averaged 12.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 60.8%. In his junior season he averaged 13.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 43.5%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 63.7% and as a senior averaged 15.2ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 37.5%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 74.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about basketball.

Thanks Josh for talking to germanhoops.com. How blessed do you feel to be playing overseas? Not many former NCAA 3 players get a chance to become professional?

I am extremely blessed with all glory to God. And yes I know there aren´t many people from division 3 but there have been some and I always thought I was next.

Your playing your rookie season with TuS 59 HammStars (Germany-Regionalliga). What did you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?

If you want to be honest before looking it up I knew not a lot but watching some youtube videos I found out that Germany along with some other countries is a good starting point to begin your career

Did you ever have former teammates or opponents ball in overseas?

Yes I have a bunch of former opponents and teammates that currently play overseas to name a few Troy Burrows is in China, Keenon Cole is in the Czech republic, and Duane Goodman is heading to Malta.

What were the main reasons for you joining TuS 59 HammStars (Germany-Regionalliga). What really stood out for you most about this organization?

I love how professional they are with things. When I talked to coach they had dreams on being champions and I like to compete for championships when I play.

How did the talks go with head coach Ivan Rosic? What did you appreciate instantly about his basketball philosophy?

I love my talks with coach Rosic. He let me know right away their expectations are to win a championship and let me know clearly what my role would be on the team when I got here. Love how he talked about offense will come, we want to be the best defensive team in the league.

You had a great college career. In the German Regionalliga it is the imports that usually have to carry the team. Do you feel any pressure?

I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel any pressure but I trust the work I put in to get to this point and the work I’m going to continue to put in throughout the season.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 196cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would say I play a lot like Austin Reaves a combo guard who can play on or off ball

Coach Ivan Rosic defines you as a great leader. How developed did you leadership skills get at Illinois College where you won 2 MWC titles?

I would say my last two years in school, I was considered one of the leaders so if I wanted to or not I had to be the one to push my teammates to be the best they can be every day.

You’re a guy that fills the stat sheet well. How much of a versatile player would you describe yourself?

I would consider myself very versatile I can move off the ball and play that way but I am also a bigger point guard who can control the offense and create for others

Is it fair to say that your 3 pointer is still a work in progress? What is your biggest goal this season with your outside shooting?

I would say just being confident in my shot. If you check I shot almost 40% from 3 my junior year of college and senior year I just lost a little bit of confidence in it but I know I can shoot the ball at a high level.

How would you describe your defensive game? Is it fair to say that your still a raw defender? What kind of a defender would you call yourself now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I would say my defense is a very underrated part of my game. I would say yes I would love to improve to be better but I am not a liability on that end of the floor. If you check high school and college my teams are some of the best defenses in the state or nation and I am a part of that. I would say I can hold my own on that end but I want to get to a point where you don’t even want the ball around me.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so that you can continue to improve as a player?

I would say my strength the game here is a lot more physical and I want to get stronger to last over here. I want to get more athletic and also want to improve my shooting.

You played at Illinois College (NCAA3) from 2021-2025 playing 98 games. You improved your scoring average each season. How did your game grow in your 4 years? What kind of a player were you in 2021 and what kind now?

I would say the game slowed down for me throughout my 4 years and understanding how to play within the system picking my spots. I would say I was strictly a slasher in 2021 trying to beat people with my speed and that’s it. Now I am scorer that knows when to shoot or drive and get to my spots.

You won 2 MWC titles. Which one was sweeter?

I would say the first one was sweeter from my sophomore year because it was the first time in school history so that was a special moment.

You had so many great games at Illinois College including a 30 point explosion against Wisconsin-Lutheran. What was your best game in school?

I would say my 36 point game against Knox I just feel like I showed all parts of my game in that game and we won with a clutch shot made by me.

How did head coach Steve Schweer groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

I would say just prepared me as a man to be out on my own in the real world.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jake Mazrimas?

Aye he won’t tell you but I won

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

No one in the NCAA reached that I played against but in high school I played against Max Christie

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Ben Vanderwal, Jake Mazrimas, Buzz Ritzel, Will Rogers, Jemari Moore

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry

Who is your GOAT?

Kobe Bryant

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I haven’t seen this

Thanks Josh for the chat.