“She does a great job in doing what it takes for the team.” That’s what Rick Risinger had to say about Tyasha Harris, the Connecticut Sun star who once played under his guidance in her high school. Well, his words couldn’t be more true, especially after Harris stepped up big time when the Sun outplayed the Washington Mystics despite losing Alyssa Thomas early in the game.

In a complete team performance from the Sun, Tyasha Harris also made her presence felt as she scored crucial 16 points against the Mystics. Not just that, she displayed a versatile show, making 5 rebounds and 6 assists in her name. But, hold on if you think that Harris just had a merry journey throughout. The 26-year-old has patiently waited to make her mark after a less-than-ideal start to her WNBA career. Let’s deep dive into Harris’ WNBA journey.

Tyasha Harris’ struggle in her WNBA journey

Back in 2020, Tyasha Harris stepped onto the big stage when the Dallas Wings selected her as the seventh overall pick in the first round of the WNBA draft. She arrived with a strong reputation, thanks to her standout performances and accolades during her college days at South Carolina. That same year, she even earned the prestigious Dawn Staley Award, fittingly named after her head coach with the Gamecocks. However, all those accolades were not enough to give her a place in the starting lineup.

In her rookie season, Harris played in 21 games but was only in the starting lineup three times. She averaged 19.6 minutes per game and put up 6.8 points each outing. Unfortunately, her second season followed a similar pattern, with just three starts. The player who was a regular starter during her college time was reduced to a reserve player in the WNBA. Over her three seasons with the Wings, Harris found herself in the starting lineup a mere 11 times.

Later in 2023, Harris was traded to the Connecticut Sun as part of a three-team deal. If she had hoped for a bigger role in the starting lineup, reality hit hard. During her first year with the Sun, she played in 40 games but didn’t get a single start. To make matters worse, her playing time decreased, averaging just 16.7 minutes per game. Well, Harris never missed to make the most of the given opportunity as despite being a bench player, she was averaging 5.8 points per game. And all those years of waiting and being consistent paid off.

This year, Harris finally secured her place in the starting lineup. The former South Carolina star has played 30 games this season, starting in 29 of them. But, it’s not just about the starting spot—Harris is proving why she belongs there, averaging a career-high 11 points per game. And as Harris has made a name for herself, let’s reflect on her career before she joined the WNBA.

From High School Star to College Champion: Tyasha Harris’ journey to the WNBA

Tyasha Harris was a standout player from her high school days, making a significant impact at Heritage Christian School in Indiana. During her four years there, she led her team to four city championships, four regional titles, and three consecutive state championships. Harris racked up 2,004 points, making her the all-time leading scorer at her high school. She also set the school’s record for steals with 487 and ranks third for assists with 426. After already earning a big name there, she then headed for her college life.

Leaving high school was an emotional moment for Tyasha Harris. “It’s going to be tough to leave [High School]. My family here is super close and I love them all. But it’s time for a new chapter. It’s time to make a new family with the South Carolina Gamecocks,” Harris said as she prepared to join the University of South Carolina. From 2016 to 2020, Harris thrived with the Gamecocks, contributing to their 2017 NCAA National Championship win.

Over her four years at South Carolina, she played in 139 games, starting 127, and amassed 1,340 points, averaging 9.6 points per game. The guard specifically excelled at playmaking, as she became the first Gamecocks player to record 700 plus assists. “I do my best to bet the team involved,” Tyasha Harris said in a high school interview with Indy Star. And that sentiment clearly carries over to her role for Connecticut Sun today.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show”. Our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.