Well before he might hear his name called at the NBA draft, Andrew Harrison believes he already experienced what the NBA will entail.
That took place at the University of Kentucky, where Harrison saw teammates come and go in what has soon become the “one-and-done era.” This year alone, Harrison represents one of seven players on the Wildcats that declared themselves eligible for the NBA draft. That resulted in the University of Kentucky boasting a star-studded team needing to iron out roles in front of a demanding media and fanbase.
“We’re really prepared for the media. We get a lot of attention,” Harrison said Tuesday after working out at the Lakers’ practice facility in El Segundo. “Of course, we had to sacrifice last year. From the NBA, we’re coming down from the bottom. You’re at the bottom of the list and coming on the team. You have to fight for every minute. It’s not going to be easy.”
The challenges seem greater for Harrison than Karl Anthony-Towns, whom most NBA mock drafts and talent evaluators consider the No. 1 pick. It may even prove more difficult than Julius Randle, whom the Lakers selected last year at seventh overall before nursing a season-ending right leg injury only 14 minutes into his NBA career.
Unlike most his Kentucky counterparts, Harrison is considered as a second-round prospect. Most NBA mock drafts rank Harrison’s twin brother, Andrew, as the more talented player. Aaron Harrison only shot 39.5 percent from the field in his sophomore season.
Yet, he downplayed that reality.
“On our team, I feel like everyone can play in the NBA. That will help me a lot with playing with such talented guys all the time. I think I’ll have that edge,” Harrison said. “I’m in great shape and just taking care of my body. I can shoot the ball, score the ball and handle it.”
Despite his shooting woes, Harrison cemented a reputation for hitting big shots through the NCAA tournament. He made two free throws to clinch an overtime win over Ole Miss. In his freshman year, Harrison made two-game winning threes against Michigan (NCAA regional) and Wisconsin (NCAA Final Four).
“Shooting the ball, scoring the ball and defending, I’ll do anything I can do to win,” Harrison said. “You have to be ready and we’re all fighting for their lives. You have to be prepared for it.”
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