University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Men's Basketball Signs Three in Early Period
11/26/2018 12:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Southern Miss head coach Doc Sadler has announced the signings of Denijay Harris, Jay Malone and Jorell Saterfield in the early period of its 2018-19 recruiting class.
"First of all, I'm really excited about the guys that are coming back to our program," Sadler said. "That's something you don't ever forget. Saying that, you try to add some pieces to it. We lose five guards, and a big part of what we are trying to do is replace them."
Harris, a freshman at Southwest Mississippi Community College, previously played at Columbus High School. He helped his team to MHSAA 6A titles as a sophomore and senior, earning game MVP honors in his final season after scoring 20 of his 26 points in the second half. As a senior, he averaged 12.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
"You can't replace the experience right away, but you get some size with Denijay. He's a 6-foot-6 wing who brings something we haven't had. He's an athletic guy that runs hard. You know that when he gets in the gym and really gets a lot of confidence in his jump shot, he'll get even better."
Malone, Harris' college teammate, also had his share of in-state success. He helped his Meridian High School team to the 2017 MHSAA 6A title and also earned Game MVP accolades when he collected 23 points, four rebounds, two steals and two assists. He redshirted his first season at SMCC.
"With Jay, we feel we have some real good guards coming back," Sadler said. "He can add a point-guard mentality with speed that can complement [freshmen] Shakur Daniel and Gabe Watson. I'm really excited about those three guys because I feel they fit the pieces of what we have returning."
SMCC sent six players to Division I schools last season.
Saterfield has held a diverse, successful basketball career. He currently plays at Mayfield High School in Las Cruces, N.M., and the previous season played at Garfield HS in Seattle, Wash., for former NBA star Brandon Roy. That squad earned the state title that season.
"Jorell may be Player of the Year in New Mexico, " Sadler said. "He's 6-foot-4, athletic and can play all three guard positions, so he's versatile. He and Denijay are going to be able to play multiple positions. Athletically, we are improving a lot with those two guys."
The spring signing period will begin April 17. Southern Miss returns to action Wednesday at 7 p.m. at home versus South Alabama.
