Help is on the way for VUU
4/13/2023, 6 p.m.
Virginia Union University has landed one of the state’s elite high school basketball stars.
O’Maundre Harris, a super-quick 5-foot-10 guard from E.C. Glass in Lynchburg, has committed to play for Panthers Coach Jay Butler.
VUU is coming off a 24-8 season in which it advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs. Many holes are left to fill through graduation.
Harris averaged 25.4 points per game for Glass this past season, leading the Hilltoppers to the state Class 4 finals against Varina.
Earning first All-State honors, Harris was at his best against the best. He had 32 points in the state quarterfinals, 34 in semifinals and 31 in the title game 59-56 Varina loss at the Siegel Center.
Along with his prolific scoring, Harris averaged 6.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists and hit 36 percent from beyond the three-point arc.
VUU has a history of success with sub 6-foot guards. The Panthers won NCAA Division II titles with 5-foot-9 Derwin Lilly in 1980 and 5-foot-10 Luqman Jabber in 2004.
Also, current Panthers’ coach, the 5-foot-9’ish Butler, was VUU’s ace ball handler in the late ’90s, teaming up with center Ben Wallace.
