Thanks to some great sources for getting HoopDirt.com out in front of this one. We first reported back on May 31st that Jay Harris had been hired as the head coach at UMass-Boston. It was made official today…
Vice Chancellor for Athletics and Recreation, Special Projects and Programs Charlie Titus has named Jason Harris as the new head men’s basketball coach at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
A former NCAA Division I assistant coach and director of basketball operations at Long Island University, Harris becomes just the second fulltime head coach in UMass Boston men’s basketball history. He replaces longtime head coach Charlie Titus, who, after 40 years on the bench, retired at the end of the 2014-15 campaign.
“We are extremely happy that we are able to add a young coach with the credentials and overall experience of Jason Harris,” said Titus. “He really fits the profile of the coaching staff here at UMass Boston, and I am certain that Jason will have tremendous success as the new head basketball coach. I am very excited about this hire and look forward to working with Jason over the next several years.”
Since 2010, Harris has served as the top assistant for Long Island University head coach Jack Perri. During his time with the Blackbirds, Harris has coached nine All-Northeast Conference selections, and two players who won conference awards. From 2010-2013, the Blackbirds put together an unprecedented run as they won three straight conference titles, made three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, and posted a record of 72-29 overall. They also were undefeated for 31 straight games and were 44-10 in the NEC.
Amongst his many responsibilities was the organizing of the Blackbirds practice and game schedules. He also worked heavily on game day planning and the scouting of every opponent, using the latest computer software.
As the team’s top recruiter, Harris traveled throughout New England, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland.
No stranger to the New England area, Harris is very familiar with Division III basketball, and especially the Little East Conference, having played his college basketball at Rhode Island College. A three-time captain for the Anchormen, Harris led RIC to the program’s first regular season championship in 2005.
Following his graduation from Rhode Island College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in justice studies, Harris stayed in the conference, and served as the assistant coach at Plymouth State University. He would then take the reigns, and served as the interim head coach for the Panthers for the 2007-08 season.
A native of Bedford, Mass., Harris also holds a master’s degree in social science, which he earned at Long Island University in 2010.
Harris will begin his coaching responsibilities immediately in preparation for the 2015-16 season, which will begin on October 15.
http://www.beaconsathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/2014-15/releases/201506080sd55q
Photo Courtesy UMass-Boston Athletics
