VITALS: 7-0, 250, Colorado OVERVIEW: Harrison is an early-entry candidate who played three seasons in college at Colorado. Harrison averaged 17.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.9 blocks this past season as a junior. After struggling with foul problems his first two seasons, Harrison learned to stay on the court and control a temper that was at times out of control. He is the school's all-time leader in blocks and field-goal percentage. A wonderfully gifted player, the Nashville, Tennessee native has trouble coping with ball pressure and double-teams. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Harrison is regarded as a late first-round or early second-round pick. Workouts and interviews ultimately will decide where he goes. Teams are well-versed on his game, since he has been scouted since his high school days. But they want to get a feel for what type of kid Harrison is. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Michael Olowokandi, Brendan Haywood COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Alvin Jones ROLE PROJECTION: Reserve POSITIVES: On pure numbers alone, Harrison is a lottery pick. How many 7-foot, 250-plus pound big men in this draft could have posted 17.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.9 blocks and 63 percent shooting this season against Big 12 competition? In addition to having the necessary size to play his position, Harrison has the ability to finish, rebound and block shots at the NBA level. SHORTCOMINGS: Harrison's mental makeup will be a major piece of the evaluation puzzle for NBA teams. He has been knocked his entire Colorado career for a perceived lack of toughness, maturity and focus. Knocks that follow a player during his college career usually resurface in the pros. Skill-wise, Harrison needs to add polish. He is still a ways from becoming a reliable NBA center.
