SOUTH HOLLAND, IL –(ENEWSPF)—May 20, 2013. South Suburban College (SSC) Men’s Basketball player Michael Harris was recently named Player of the Year by the Division II National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

Harris is a sophomore guard out of East Chicago Central High School.  He averaged 23.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 3.3 steals per game for the Bulldogs during the 2012-13 Season.  Harris was presented with this national honor at an NJCAA National All Star Game on May 11^th at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

“I am very happy for Mike and this award is well deserved,” said Bulldogs Head Basketball Coach John Pigatti.  “Mike is one of the best players I have had the privilege of coaching at SSC.  Being named national Player of the Year is a HUGE honor not just for Mike, but for our entire program.  This national recognition will also help us recruit more Michael Harrises in the future.”

National Player of the Year puts the cap on many accolades acquired by Harris.  He was previously named Region IV-A Player-of -the Year, Region IV-A Tournament MVP, and NJCAA 1^st Team All American.  This season, the Bulldogs finished 32-5 and placed 6^th at the NJCAA Division II National Tournament.  SSC racked up a combined record of 65-9 during Harris’ two seasons. 

Harris represents the first “national” Player of the Year under the direction of Coach Pigatti.  It is also the first for SSC Athletics in recent history. 

For more information, contact Coach Pigatti at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2524.  SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL.