Island Storm sign Canadian SF Demitri Harris

Photo Credit: Mack Lamoureux

His upside and potential on the basketball court is limitless.

The Island Storm are continuing to add to their roster, signing Vancouver-native and former Saint Mary's Huskies starter Demitri Harris.

The 26-year-old small forward has been added in time for the Storm’s training camp roster, the team announced this morning. Harris will be making his first attempt to play professional basketball after having a short stint with the American Basketball Association’s Vancouver Balloholics.

Harris, who last played for the Huskies during the 2009-10 CIS season, had averaged 5.3 points per game, 3.5 assists per game and 1.9 rebounds per game in 20 appearances during his last collegiate season.

“He has good size and athleticism, with a deep skill set,” said Storm head coach Joe Salerno in the team’s press release. “We are very excited to see what his first season of pro ball can develop into."

Harris is known to be a two-way threat player, using his six-foot-six frame and athleticism to his benefit on both ends of the floor. Since playing for the Huskies, he has been playing for various semi-pro teams, including the ABA’s Seattle Mountaineers and the Balloholics.

Harris said in the press release that he has also been working hard to add more strength and have his body ready for the 2016-17 NBLC season.

“I’m a hustle player. I like to dunk,” said Harris. “I’ve been training every morning at 5 a.m.”

Harris, who was one of the players who took part in the NBLC’s Winnipeg combine, also has First Nations roots.

After finishing his stint with the Balloholics, he had played with the Musqueam Warriors Basketball club, whose territory is based in Vancouver, North Vancouver, South Vancouver, Burrard Inlet, New Westminster, Burnaby and Richmond.

In a March 25 story by The Langara Voice, Vancouver-based Langara College’s student-run publication, Harris said his sweat lodge ceremonies with the team – where participants sweat substantially when water is poured over the central pit of hot lava rocks as a way to help the players heal and connect with their ancestors – helped improve his performance and kick any addictions he had. He also explained at the time that he felt more comfortable with himself.

“I would not have received a pro contract without my (First Nations) community,” Harris said in the press release.

Salerno in the press release also commented on Harris' size, athleticism and skill set, saying they were a rare combination.

“He is a high character guy, something we value greatly,” said Salerno, adding Harris is just the type of player the Storm needed for reasons outside of just basketball. “His upside and potential on the basketball court is limitless.”

The signing comes about a week after the Island Storm picked up high-profile point guard Jahii Carson.