Riverton, WY— The Central Wyoming College Athletics department has announced the addition of John Harris Jr. as the Assistant Men's Basketball Coach for the upcoming season.

Harris arrives in Riverton with a diverse basketball background that includes NCAA Division I coaching experience, elite-level player development, AAU leadership, and an accomplished collegiate playing career. Most recently, Harris founded and directed Prime Basketball Club in Nebraska, building a successful youth and high school program that serves more than 75 athletes.  Prior to that, he coached with Nebraska Supreme and nationally respected AAU powerhouse MoKan Basketball Club.

One of the most notable stops in Harris' coaching career came at the University of Nebraska, where he served as a Graduate Assistant under Head Coach Fred Hoiberg from 2019-21. During his time with the Cornhuskers, Harris was heavily involved in player development, scouting reports, and daily program management within Hoiberg's fast-paced offensive system. He worked alongside a staff that included veteran coaches Doc Sadler, Armon Gates, Matt Abdelmassih, and Bobby Lutz while helping prepare and develop numerous future professional players.  Fred Hoiberg shared his thoughts on the former Nebraska staffer: 

"John did a tremendous job for us during his two years with our program here at Nebraska," said Hoiberg. " He is a smart, hardworking, knowledgeable coach with a very bright future.  I am excited for him to get the opportunity to be a lead assistant and am confident that he will have a positive impact on the players and program at Central Wyoming."

As a player, Harris enjoyed an outstanding career at Benedictine College (Kan.), where he played point guard for current Benedictine head coach Ryan Moody. A four-year starter and two-year team captain, Harris earned All-American honorable mention, was a two-time First Team All-Conference selection, and finished his career as a member of the program's 1,000-point club. He also helped lead Benedictine to two NAIA National Tournament appearances.

In addition to his coaching experience, Harris has built a reputation as a skilled talent evaluator and player developer. Throughout his career, he has worked with numerous athletes who have advanced to professional basketball opportunities in the NBA, G League, and international ranks. Head coach Bob Ludwig had this to say about the addition of Harris:

"John has had the opportunity to play for and coach under mentors of whom I greatly respect," said Ludwig. "His time at Nebraska under Coach Hoiberg exposed him to the daily operations of a successful high major program. That experience, as well as his background as a collegiate player, will be invaluable to our players."

Harris earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Benedictine College and later completed a Master of Science in Youth Development from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The addition of Harris marks a significant step in Ludwig's vision for building the Rustler men's basketball program.