Chris Harriman Named Assistant Men's Basketball Coach
July 22, 2008
St. Louis - Saint Louis University head men's basketball coach Rick Majerus announced that Chris Harriman has been named assistant men's basketball coach. Harriman comes to the Billikens after four years as assistant coach at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Fla. "I first met Chris when he played for Augusta State against one of my terrific Utah teams which, ironically, had (current staff member) Alex Jensen," Majerus said. "As a player, Chris was a cerebral point guard and a terrific competitor who I thought would one day would become an outstanding coach. He worked for one of the best Division II coaches in the game, Gary Tuell, who has developed an outstanding program at Nova Southeastern. Chris is a 24/7 basketball guy who has great knowledge of the game with the rare ability to teach the game as well. His passion for the game coincides with our current staff, and we are fortunate to have him on board. In addition to being an outstanding coach and teacher, he is a man of character and will be an exemplary role model for our players both on and off the court." "When given an opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business in coach Majerus, I was thrilled and excited to come to Saint Louis," Harriman said. "I am looking forward to the opportunities that lay ahead and working with our outstanding student-athletes. With coach Majerus and the new Chaifetz Arena, the SLU program is headed for great things." Harriman had a short stint in his homeland Australia's National Basketball League in 1997-98 with the traditional league power Sydney Kings. He moved to the United States and attended Augusta State (Ga.) University. Harriman tallied 627 points and 375 assists in his playing career at ASU and was named league Player of the Week in January 2003. As a senior, he led the Peach Belt Conference in steals. Harriman led ASU to two NCAA Division II Tournaments and one PBC North Division title, and he was a part of 78 victories. After graduating from Augusta State in 2003, Harriman played the 2003-04 season with the Hunter Valley Pirates in the NBL and was runner-up for Rookie of the Year honors.
After his professional playing career, Harriman joined the coaching staff at Nova Southeastern under head coach Gary Tuell, his college coach at Augusta State, in August of 2004. Harriman was instrumental in recruiting student-athletes to NSU and established a strong coaching reputation in Australia. In 2007-08, he helped Tim Coenraad earn first-team NABC All-South Region honors. Joining a rebuilding NSU program, Harriman helped the Sharks post 48 victories during his tenure. A 17-win season in 2005-06 was the biggest turnaround in 15 years in Division II basketball. A native of Sydney, Australia, Harriman and his wife, Cheryl, have one son, Avery. |
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