Jasmyne Harris, Houston
Jasmyne Harris represents the dawning of a new era in the University of Houston women’s basketball program. She, along with fellow sophomore guard Angela Harris, (no relation) and sophomore wing Dorian Branch, are part of a talent upgrade head coach Ronald Hughey and his coaching staff recruited and signed two seasons ago.
This season Harris has emerged as Houston’s best and most important player, and she’s become the face of the program. Earlier this year she was named National Player of the Week by ESPN for her stellar performance in a come-from-behind road win over the Tulane Green Wave.
Harris is a high-riser who jumps off the basketball court with ease, and her second jump is probably quicker than some players’ first jump, which helps her out-rebound taller opponents. She leads the team in scoring at 20.5 points per game, and in assists (73 total). She’s second on the team in rebounding (5.9 per game) and second in steals (2.1 per game). When she is on the bench, her absence is evident.
By last month, Harris and her two sophomore teammates had helped lead the Cougars to more wins this season than they earned last year.