Last week, power forward Josiah Harris of Richmond Heights High School in Cleveland, Ohio, announced his commitment to West Virginia University on Twitter. The 6’7 “, 210 lb class of 2022 Commit sat down for an exclusive interview with Mountaineer Maven to discuss his commitment decision. The full interview can be found at the top of this page.
Harris has received offers from a number of high profile programs including Ohio State, Kansas State, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech, Xavier and Cincinnati. However, when Harris received his offer from West Virginia, he did not hesitate.
“It was such a blessing,” said Harris upon receiving his offer to join the 2022 WVU class. “They were the first high-major school I offered. It was like they believed in me first, a blessing before anyone else.”
Harris has envisioned wearing the old gold and blue since West Virginia defeated Missouri at the WVU Coliseum in January 2020.
“It was so busy,” Harris said of the game. “I’ve seen all of the fans and thought I could imagine being on the pitch and playing in front of all of these people. It’s like the entire state of West Virginia is there – it’s an amazing feeling.”
West Virginia’s successful tradition and coaching team sealed the deal for Harris, who has closely followed the program since childhood.
“Just the culture in West Virginia,” Harris said of why he chose WVU. “The winning tradition and the game for a legendary coach in Bob Huggins.”
Harris’ relationship with the WVU coaching staff made his decision to come to Morgantown a “no-brainer”.
“The relationship I have with the coaches and my family is just amazing,” said Harris. “When I started sophomore school, they came to my high school to watch me play. I’ve just started building that relationship since then.”
Harris is particularly drawn to WVU head coach Bob Huggins’ defensive program.
“He’s a great coach and defensive,” Harris said of Huggins. “And his résumé proves it. He’s got 900 wins … not many coaches have that. He’s just a great coach. I can’t wait to go to West Virginia to learn from him.”
Before Harris arrives on campus, he focuses on building the strength he needs to pass the next level.
“I’m working on getting better with my strength,” he said. “When you get to the next level everyone will be strong. I’m just trying to work on getting stronger and bringing my body together for the next level. I just started this NFT program out here [in Cleveland]. They prepare me for my diet and give me a strength plan to get stronger and work on my condition. “
As soon as he arrives on campus, Harris has two things in mind: playing time and winning.
“To win as a freshman and get on the pitch,” said Harris of his immediate goals. “Winning is so important to me. That’s why I love West Virginia and their tradition of winning and their mentality. Winning is a big part.”
Harris isn’t waiting for his campus debut to begin building relationships with his future teammates, however.
“Isaiah Cottrell beat me up,” he said. “A lot of the other players have contacted me and we’ve played Fortnite and built relationships with each other. I can’t wait to play with everyone who’s around when I’m there. It’s going to be an amazing experience.”
In order to make a name for himself at the WVU, Harris already has one thing in mind: to win everything.
“I’m trying to go to the national championship.”
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