DCC’s Harper Signs with D1 Savannah State
Dawson Community College's Tyrell Harper is the 2nd Buccaneer basketball player in the last week to sign with an NCAA Division I school. He will be playing next for the Savannah State University Tigers. SSU competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. They are led by Head Coach Horace Broadnax who has coached the team for the past 13 years. As a player, Broadnax won an NCAA National Championship in 1984 with Georgetown. The Tigers play a fast tempo type of game. This past season they ranked 2nd in the country in scoring behind National Champion Villanova. They were 1st in the nation in transition points, 1st in 3-pointers per game, 4th in steals per game and 11th in turnover margin. They finished the regular season as co-champions of the MEAC.
DCC Coach Joe Peterson said, "Harper should fit in their program well with his length and athleticism defensively. He is also very good on the boards and in transition, whether he is leading the break or filling the wing. I'm pleased that Savannah State saw his talent and potential and gave him this opportunity."
Harper came on strong for the Buccaneers during the conference part of their season in January and February. The 6'7 sophomore forward from Sanford, Florida averaged 14.8 ppg, 11 rpg and 3.5 apg in the conference. He was the leading rebounder in the league and recorded 9 double-doubles on the season including 5 of the last 6 games. He will be playing his final two years of college basketball just four hours north of his hometown.
Harper commented, "I appreciate my time here at Dawson… without the success of the team and the unselfishness of my teammates and every individual that played their role, this wouldn't be possible! I thank God because he comes first in everything that I do and without him none of this is possible. I'd like to thank my coaches for believing in me, and Coach D for playing the big brother role while I was so far from home, and last but not least, my mom who believed in me more than anyone and it's something we've always dreamed of, and I just wish she was here to witness it. I do it all for her."
