Rick Harris just completed his 6th season as Head Men’s basketball coach at the Community College of Rhode Island. During this time the Knights have won the Region XXI Championship in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2012 and were the Northeast District Champions in 2007 and 2012. They have participated in the NJCAA DII National Tournament twice during this period in 2007 and 2012.

This past season the Knights made it to the National Championship Game, losing to Mott C.C 70-60. In his six seasons the Knights have a 121-75 overall record including a 63-17 record in New England Region XXI play.

Twice he has been named Region and Northeast COY. Prior to coaching at CCRI, Harris was a boy’s high school coach at Cranston High School East from 1990-2006 where the Thunderbolts won Division IA State Championships in 2002, 2003 and 2004.They were State Finalists in 2001.His overall high school record was 230-187 and he was named COY on 5 different occasions.

Defensively I am a multiple defense guy. I am not a stubborn guy, we will scout an opponent and put together a defensive plan that is determined by the opponent’s strengths. I love John Wooden’s philosophy that his teams worry only about themselves in regards to doing what they do and doing it well. I wish I always had the talent to think that way but often that is not the case. At home I will start with a zone defense (2-3, 3-2 and often a 1-3-1 to start the second half) believing that our opponent will not shoot as well on the road as they would at home. Thus I want to see our team protect the paint and keep the opponent off the foul line.