Illinois freshman guard Sencire Harris has been an energizer on and off the court for the Illini at the beginning of his collegiate career.
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- By ANDERSON KIMBALL Decatur Herald & Review
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Early in the second half of Illinois’ game against UCLA, it needed some energy.
Brad Underwood knew who to go to. It was Sencire Harris, a guard who showed energy and tenacity since Underwood and Chester Frazier recruited him.
“I mean, he’s trying to rip the JV players’ heads off in practices,” Underwood said. “He’s kicking his butt and then it’s whoever he plays, it’s just that mentality. And I have a tendency to kind of like those guys.”
The freshman Harris was up to the challenge, and has grabbed hold of a rotation spot off the bench with the tenacity Underwood craves.
“I’ve always been that way,” Harris said. “I always want to take on the best player.”
He provided a spark, and Illinois went on a big run in the second half to get a win over a then-top 10 team and nearly won two games over top-20 teams in Las Vegas last weekend. It helped No. 16 Illinois move up the rankings, and the tournament was used as a measuring stick for a relatively young roster.
Harris stood out with his energy. He’s given himself an opportunity to be in the rotation and will likely be asked to bring some juice off the bench the rest of the season, starting with the game against Lindenwood (8 p.m. on Friday on Big Ten Network+).
“It’s everything,” Underwood said. “We’re looking for guys like that. We’re looking for those gritty, tough guys that, you know, impact a game without having to score it all the time.”