3PTSHOT: Can you introduce yourself?
Martez Harris: My name is Martez Harris. I was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. I’m a 6’4 (with shoes) combo guard with a 6’7 wingspan and 38 inch vertical. Out of highscool I was All District All Region All State and a McDonalds All American Nominee where I averaged 22.7 points 9 rebounds and 5 assist my senior year. I signed with Tennessee Martin in the early signing period and played there my freshman year. I then played at Volunteer State CC where I was all conference and led the league in 3pt % at 45%. After receiving my Associates Degree, there I went to IU southeast and finished at Ave Maria University where I was top 3 in the league in scoring at 17 ppg and top 5 in FG% at 45% to go along with 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 assist.
3PTSHOT: When and how did you started playing basketball ?
Martez Harris: My mama put a ball in my hands early so I started playing basketball since I could walk. I’ve always loved the game but really got serious in 6th grade and ever since I’ve pursued a dream of becoming a pro.
3PTSHOT: How can you describe your game ? What are your main strengths on the court ?
Martez Harris: I can best describe my game as an explosive playmaker on both ends of the floor. My strengths are athleticism, scoring at all 3 levels at a high level, elevating over defenders on shots so they are tough to contest, makings bits better by putting them in good situations to score, and guarding all 3 guard spots at a high level. I love to push the ball and set up teammates as well as attack and put pressure on the defense. Weather it be the 3, skip pass, lob, or midrange shot I just take what the defense gives me and make the right play.
3PTSHOT: You moved a lot during your College career. Why did you chose to left Tennessee-Martin (NCAA) and then IU Southeast (NAIA) to go to Ave Maria (NAIA) ?
Martez Harris: It was a tough decision because I loved the school and my teammates but 5 guys as well as I left Tennessee Martin because of the way things were handled so I went to a Juco and went to a school with a coach I was more familiar with in IU Southeast. At IU Southeast, despite the success we had because of our talent it was a similar situation as Tennessee Martin so I accepted an opportunity at Ave Maria University where I felt my game would be able to grow as well as being close to Miami helps.
“I’m looking for a situation in Canada Europe Asia or South America”
3PTSHOT: You also had a good collective season in 2013/2014, winning the KIAC regular season and reaching NAIA D2 Sweet 16. How was the experience ?
Martez Harris: It was fun winning the KIAC regular season because we had a great group of elite guys. We felt like we should have definetly won the national title but the experience of getting to the sweet 16 was great. We really understood how to win only losing 3 games during the season. Everything we did was about winning and that winning culture will stay with me forever. We ate like kings every night and played our hearts out. The national tournament treated us great. I’ll never forget that experience.
3PTSHOT: So, you was redshirted during 2014/2015 season. How did you managed this season without official basketball games ? Is that difficult ?
Martez Harris: My redshirt year was definetly tough because I had worked so hard an wanted to show the world my game but because of the transfer rules I had to sit out. I definitely credit Coach Collins for keeping my game tight while I sat out. I feel like I was able to get to another level.
3PTSHOT: You had great individual statistics (16.2ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.3apg) last season for your senior year with Ave Maria. Now, what kind of basketball opportunities are you looking for ?
Martez Harris: I’m looking for a situation in Canada Europe Asia or South America where I can come in be work my behind off and contribute as a rookie.
3PTSHOT: What are your goals for the next seasons, your pro career plan ?
Martez Harris: I feel like I haven’t come close to my potential yet. So my goals are to be the best playmaker and defender in whatever league I play in. I want to make an immediate impact and literally get better everyday. I have a chip on my shoulder so I look forward to pushing myself to be one of the best guards playing basketball period.