Rice lands power forward from San Diego

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - 6-foot-8 power forward Tim Harrison, from Francis Parker School in San Diego, California, verbally committed to Rice University.

Last season Harrison averaged 15 points, eight rebounds and three blocks while being named to the All-Coastal League, which is the dominant league in San Diego.

"It feels great," Harrison told FOX 26 Sports. "I'm really excited about my future with Rice. I really love the coaches, really love the system. They want to coach me and they really showed that."

Harrison said he chose Rice over Stanford, Yale, Princeton, San Diego, Nevada, Northeastern and Colorado State.

“Tim and his family were really impressed and felt very comfortable with Rice’s staff, in particular the head coach (Mike Rhoades),” said Jim Tomey, coach at Francis Parker School.

“Then when he went on his visit I think it all just sort of came together for him, because he came back and it’s been what three or four days and he committed. They’ve really done a terrific job in recruiting him, being honest and showing him that they really wanted him. Tim felt that.”

Harrison said going to Rice was also about what the school can offer academically.

"That was huge," Harrison said. "I wanted to go to a school, that if I didn't play basketball at all or if I got hurt, that I would be able to still do well and set me up for life.

"Rice is one of the top schools in the country. A Rice degree really means a lot."