SFA Mourns Death of Former Basketball Great Pete Harris
1/9/2018 6:37:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Harris was a two-time All-American in the early 1970s for SFA
AMSTERDAM - Former Stephen F. Austin men's basketball great Pete Harris passed away in Amsterdam on Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, following a three-year battle with leukemia. Harris made a name for himself as one of the best basketball players to ever wear Lumberjack colors during his collegiate career which spanned from 1970-73.
Harris, who played for 'Jacks during its days as an NAIA powerhouse, still reigns as the program's all-time leading rebounder having hauled down 1,566 boards throughout his three seasons in purple and white. Twice, in 1972 and 1973, Harris was named an All-American and also earned the title of 1971-72 Lone Star Conference MVP before his collegiate career ended.
For his career, Harris averaged an eye-popping 16.8 rebounds per game and also ranks third all-time in both points scored (1,833) and field goals made (658). Harris' 1,285 total field goal attempts are a total that no Lumberjack has surpassed.
He also holds the top three single-game rebounding performances in program history, ripping down 31 boards against Texas A&I (1/22/73) and 29 against both Paul Quinn College (12/18/72) and McMurry (2/17/73).
During Harris' tenure with SFA, the 'Jacks won two of the programs' 16 Lone Star Conference titles and racked up a combined record of 80-13 with a 47-7 showing in LSU tilts. On two occasions SFA advanced to the NAIA National Tournament and posted a third-place finish at the event in the 1971-72 season.
Following his days as a Lumberjack, Harris heard his name called by the Atlanta Hawks as the 10th pick in the seventh round of the 1973 NBA Draft. Instead of remaining with the Hawks, Harris headed overseas and enjoyed a professional career playing for teams in both Portugal and the Netherlands.
For all news regarding SFA men's basketball and each of SFA's other 16 NCAA Division I sports, make sure to visit SFAJacks.com and follow the 'Jacks on Twitter (@SFA_Athletics), Facebook (SFA Athletics) and Instagram (@SFA_Athletics).
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