Pines Charter, known as an absolute South Florida basketball powerhouse, producing several division 1 players every year, has just produced yet another beast on the court known as Joshua (Josh) Harris. Standing at an astounding 6 ‘8, being absolutely unstoppable in the paint, and playing Power forward/Center as a senior, Josh is a dream prospect for many colleges. As of November 3rd, 2023, Josh made his final decision to commit to the University of North Florida Ospreys.
8 years ago, Josh picked up a basketball for the first time, and from that day on a future star was forged in the heat and intensity of South Florida basketball. Josh was a young and energetic kid. One day his dad made a pivotal move that would change the trajectory of Josh’s life forever. He signed his son up to play for the local after school rec league.
This very decision almost a decade later would be earning Josh multiple full ride athletic scholarships to well renowned Division 1 universities. Schools such as Charleston, Cornell, Jmu, Unf, etc. These offers didn’t just fall into Josh’s reach out of nowhere though. Through countless hours of training everyday over the years, Josh has become a top tier player.
His junior season alone, Josh averaged 18 PPG (points per game), 11 RPG (rebounds per game), 2 APG (assists per game), while shooting a blazing 60% from the field, and 80% free throw completion. These stats put Josh as one of the top 300 scorers in the nation. Earning a Division 1 offer for basketball is an incredibly daunting task, as of the roughly 550,000 current boys high school basketball players, only 0.9% get an official Division 1 offer. Literally putting Josh in the top 1%.
UNF is a well distinguished Division 1 school in Jacksonville Florida. The Ospreys compete in the NCAA Atlantic Sun conference, playing many prominent schools, and even making the occasional NCAA tournament/March Madness appearance. “When I took my visit it just felt like a second home to me.” Josh is an amazing example of somebody who started from the very first step, and through talent and hard work, he made his dreams come true. His message to young aspiring athletes out there is “to work hard and always, no matter what, chase your goals.”
