NBL24 season review - Hyrum Harris

The hard-working New Zealander was a massive reason behind his team’s stunning season turnaround. 

Harris, in his first year as a Wildcat after stints with Illawarra, Cairns and Adelaide, helped unlock the side’s best form after moving into the starting five.

From a 2-5 start, the Wildcats won their first six matches with Harris as a starter.

There were calls for him to win the competition’s Most Improved Player and even Defensive Player of the Year, such was his impact.

While he was overlooked in the NBL awards nominations, the popular 27-year-old got the nod as the Wildcats’ Most Improved Player in deserved recognition for his efforts.

Four-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton couldn’t speak highly enough of Harris’ impact, making mention of the energy he brings.

“With Hyrum, I can’t say enough about him. The impact he’s had on our team is priceless,” Cotton said.

“Since he’s been put into our starting line-up, that was almost a direct correlation of just how much we took off as a team.

“Just because of that energy he brings, it makes us want to match his energy, even though none of us can.

“Hyrum has been doing a hell of a job this season.”

The 204cm forward averaged 5.8 points, 3.8 points and 1.4 assists per game in NBL24.

He was one of the Wildcats’ best in his debut play-off series against Tasmania, averaging 10.3 points and 3.3 assists including 13 and three in the game one victory at RAC Arena.

Hyrum Harris – NBL24 stats

Points: 5.8 per game

Rebounds: 3.8

Assists: 1.4

Field-goal percentage: 56%