Loyola Basketball Program Gets Commitment From Guard Harris

Jim Harris, a point guard from Ocean View High in Huntington Beach, has become the second player in a week to give an unwritten commitment to play basketball for Loyola Marymount.

Harris’ father, also named Jim, said his son committed to Loyola on Monday and plans to sign a national letter of intent during the early signing period that begins Nov. 11. The elder Harris is the basketball coach at Ocean View.

Entering his third season as a varsity starter, the 6-foot Harris averaged 17.3 points and 9.3 assists last season to help Ocean View finish 17-10 and reach the second round of the Southern Section Division I-A playoffs. He was named to the All-Sunset League first team.

Harris selected Loyola over San Diego State.

“(Loyola Coach) John Olive did a great job of building a trusting relationship with my son,” Harris said. “Jim is a non-ego player. He does whatever it takes to win.”

Harris is the second guard to give an unwritten commitment to Loyola. Last week, Michael O’Quinn, a 6-5 shooting guard from Pius X High in Downey, said he will sign early with the Lions.

The Lions still hope to sign a post player.