Jason Harris is brand new to the University of Massachusetts Boston as he takes on the title of head coach for the Men’s Basketball team. Harris’s alma mater was actually within the Little East Conference at Rhode Island College. After graduating as a student-athlete, he coached for nine years — seven of which were at Division 1 Long Island University in Brooklyn — before he came here to UMass Boston.
Q: Was coaching always your dream/passion?
A: I actually was in school to become a police officer, but my sophomore year of college I had fouled out in a big game and looked over at my coach and realized this is something I’d love to do.
Q: How do you feel about your first season at UMass Boston?
A: Optimistic. The guys are playing hard; they’re hungry. The team just hasn’t fully settled in yet.
Q: What are some challenges you’ve faced coaching a new team?
A: Trying to instill a successful program. A lot of these guys haven’t played since high school.
Q: What has been the best part about this whole experience?
A: Having the opportunity to do things my own way. I get to run the show, and being able to start from ground level allows a lot of room for improvement. 
Q: How was the transition into becoming the head coach without any time to recruit?
A: It was interesting, but I kind of have to laugh about it now. I wasn’t sure if we were even going to have enough to fill a roster, but it’s good to see what we have now before we recruit. I look forward to recruiting others who will create a winning mentality.
Q: How do you feel your relationship to the players is?
A: I love the guys. I don’t know if they love me, but they play hard for me, they respect me and each other, and the program.
Q: Who are the key players on your team and how do you expect them to influence the others?
A: The older guys are major influences. Quadry Allen, Dan Powers, and Sam Freeman are key players not so much for their talents but because of their personalities. They’re genuinely good people.
Q: What advice do you give your team during practice and before games?
A: Preparing the right way. Once it’s game time you’ve already won or lost the game depending on the preparation.
Q: What are your plans for the future of the program?
A: I want to build a championship team. This program should be up there with the volleyball, soccer, and hockey programs here. I want this team to be talked about, and that starts with developing the culture and recruiting kids who are committed to playing college basketball.
The Men’s Basketball team has had a rough season getting acclimated to a new coach and adjusting to the program. Their record is currently 6-17 and 2-11 in conference play. The last home game and senior night for the Beacons will be held on Saturday, February 20 in the Clark Athletic Center Gymnasium against Eastern Connecticut State University at 3 p.m.