Keith Harris and the word “doghouse” have been used in the same sentence – muttered in the same breath – many times this young basketball season.
An unflattering term, to be sure, yet the 6-5 junior insists he’s not upset by persistent talk he’s a reident member of Kansas coach Larry Brown’s kennel.
“It’s the truth, so I have no problem with what is said about me,” said Harris, who, after averaging 4.9 points per game as a freshman, has been used sparingly this year.
“I can deal with people saying bad things about me,” added Harris, who started the second half, but played just three minutes in Wednesday’s 70-56 ECAC Festival loss to St. John’s. “It’s OK. It’s not a problem with me.”
Harris has been chastised for poor classroom habits. Irresponsible behavior – wahtever that means – has also been attributed to the Santa Monica, Calif., native.
“I was having some trouble in class and other things and coach Brown thought I was being disrespectful to him,” said Harris. “I’m not trying to be disrespectful. He’s a great person and has helped me a lot. I’m going to handle responsibility better and try to contribute.”
Harris was chastised on national television recently for his inability to “handle responsibility.” Announcer Dick Vitale told Harris to “grow up” over the airwaves. Those words came following quck-to-spread rumors Harris had slept through a final exam. Harris said he didn’t hear Vitale’s remarks, broadcast during the KU-North Carolina State telecast.
“What really happened,” said Harris, “is I had two finals at the same time, so I had to miss one. If I had handled responsibility better, I wouldn’t have had to miss any. A teacher said I could have come in on another day, but I didn’t work it out right.”
This week could be a key one for Harris. The loss of Archie Marshall (ligament damage in left knee) means Kansas will need to begin grooming a successor.
Will Harris be the man to see additional playing time? Games at Washington on Monday night and home battles versus American on Wednesday night and Missouri on Saturday afternoon could provide the answer.
“With Archie out, we have to put it all together,” said Harris. “It’s an important time for us with the Big Eight season coming up.”
Harris hopes to put all the controversy behind and become a contributing member of the Jayhawks in league play.
