A standout in the Northeast Ohio basketball community, Chaze Harris has been making a name for himself for years. A two-time participant in the I.C. Change Basketball Showcase, we recognized his potential as early as 2019.
After graduating from Bedford High School in 2021—where he averaged nearly 22 points per game and earned 2nd Team All-Ohio honors—Chaze didn’t have Division I programs knocking at his door. To many, that was surprising. But instead of waiting, he went to work.
First stop: Lakeland Community College
Registering just before the deadline, Harris made what would become one of the best decisions of his career. Under coach Michael Hunter Jr. (now at Cleveland State), he thrived—scoring over 400 points, grabbing 160+ rebounds, and dishing out 100+ assists. More importantly, he helped lead the Lakers to an OCCAC Championship.
Next stop: Shawnee State University (NAIA)
Harris elevated his game again. Averaging nearly 20 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.5 steals per game, he earned All-River States Conference honors while scoring in double figures in 18 of 19 games. His leadership helped guide the Bears to the NAIA Tournament.
Then came Life University (NAIA)
This is where everything took off.
Harris dominated as a junior, earning 1st Team All-SSAC honors and being named SSAC Player of the Year. He averaged 19.7 points, 6.9 assists, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game while shooting nearly 60% from the field. He led the Running Eagles to a 27–7 record and a trip to the NAIA National Tournament Round of 16.
That success couldn’t be ignored any longer.
Division I finally came calling — University of South Alabama
Harris answered.
In his senior season, he showed the world exactly what they had missed. One of the most versatile and efficient players in the country, he earned:
- Sun Belt Player of the Year
- 1st Team All-Sun Belt
- NABC Second-Team All-District
He led the Sun Belt in scoring at 22 points per game while shooting an incredible 58.2% from the field. Nationally, he ranked among the top 75 in points (19.2), assists (4.9), and field goal percentage (53.6).
He also made history—becoming the first player in the country to record 35 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals while shooting 70% or better in a single game.
Harris closed out his college career in the NIT against the Auburn Tigers with a phenomenal performance:
29 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists.
What’s Next?
At 6’6″ running point, Chaze Harris is now setting his sights on the NBA Combine.
Doubt will be there—it always has been.
But if his journey has proven anything, it’s this:
Chaze Harris doesn’t wait for opportunities. He creates them.
And wherever God takes him next, one thing is certain—
He’s going to be ready.
Chaze Harris Instagram @ctn_2
Chaze Harris X account @Chaze_2
Story by Ian Cunningham
Instagram @icchangeshowcase
X account iancle1
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