Patience pays off for legacy who gave ‘punch in the arm’ for Purdue

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Gicarri Harris let his hand hang in the air a bit on the follow-through, Purdue basketball’s sophomore guard finally feeling the surge for the first time this season.

Late in the first half of the No. 1 Boilermakers’ 81-65 victory at Rutgers, his 3-pointer provided the final flourish on a fast break. The season’s first few weeks included so few opportunities for Harris to revel in the moment on offense.

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Harris took the time Tuesday, briefly, to absorb the vibe. He served as an early catalyst for an eventually comfortable victory.

It was only a matter of time — but still, it was about time. Add this night to the growing list of evidence Purdue’s functional roster is as deep as they come.

“Just being shot-ready at all times — I feel like that helped,” Harris said. “I was sprinting, just doing my job defensively and offensively. Tonight was a good night for me, and looking forward to just building off of that.”

Over the first six games, Harris totaled 15 points while shooting 21.7% from the field. He still played his customary tough defense. He avoided turnovers and chipped in on the offensive boards.

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Shotmaking, though, was supposed to be a sophomore season step forward.

No need to give Harris the “stick with it” pep talk. He lived it his entire freshman year. Inconsistent minutes off the bench means inconsistent opportunities to shoot the ball. Inconsistent baskets means a few scattered 0-for-1s suddenly turns into a paper slump.

How frustratingly familiar a 2 of 8 start from 3-point range across the first six games must have felt. Even more so, perhaps, because Harris by all accounts put together a strong summer and preseason. He nearly unseated classmate C.J. Cox from the starting job he held at the end of last season. That decision went down to the wire — decided by Cox’s edge in wins in competitive drills and scrimmage sessions.

Making freshman-to-sophomore improvements and impressing everyone with your…

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Publish date : 2025-12-03 09:41:00

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