Howard Bison star Bryce Harris has gone viral on social media with his passionate, thoughtful remarks after a heartbreaking loss Tuesday night in the NCAA Tournament.
The Wagner Seahawks defeated Howard 71-68 in the First Four game. Harris, a junior guard, scored 16 points. In a postgame press conference, he opened up about the bond he and his teammates share.
“It comes down to basketball, but it also comes down to having connections with who we are not only as teammates, but as human beings,” Harris said. “Playing on a basketball team is one of the more beautiful things in life, because it gives you a group of brothers who have a common goal, and allows you to have a deeper connection past just being a teammate.
“What we speak a lot about is having brothers … you’re going to go through things with your brothers, you’re going to have good moments, you’re going to have bad moments, you’re going to have moments where you’re mad with your brother or your brother’s mad at you.
“In a nutshell, that’s basically what that was, understanding each other, understanding our whys — why we play the game, who introduced us to the game, what’s carrying us through any type of adversity we have, whether it’s basketball-wise or in life in general, just to carry on and be able to lean on one another.”
https://twitter.com/CBSSportsCBB/status/1770263434984116398
Harris’ words, and his sincere delivery, immediately captured the attention of fans and sports media. CBS Sports reporter Gary Parrish summed up the feelings of many with this X/Twitter post.
“This is a great answer and I don’t even know what the question was,” he posted.
This is a great answer and I don’t even know what the question was.
pic.twitter.com/PgK7gNfC1o— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) March 20, 2024
After Harris’ postgame comments began going viral Wednesday morning, the Howard Bison men’s basketball account made a post praising him.
Bryce Harris is a tremendous representation of #TheDreamFactory and @HowardU .
Not only a great basketball player, but fully immersed in campus life at The Mecca and multi-talented as a musical producer.
Partner with Bryce on @opendorse ⬇️ https://t.co/qAnPKusO0m https://t.co/LTmdHWpUYN
— Howard Men’s Basketball (@HUMensBB) March 20, 2024
Memphis Grizzlies play-by-play announcer Pete Pranica tweeted, “This is just cool to see. Heartfelt expression of what sports can mean.”
This is just cool to see. Heartfelt expression of what sports can mean. https://t.co/6tzVBgJeu6
— Pete Pranica (@PetePranica) March 20, 2024
WBZ anchor Dan Roche posted, “This is why everyone – at some point – should be part of a team growing up. Could be a sport, band, drama club, whatever. Can help shape/change/teach life lessons.”
This is why everyone – at some point – should be part of a team growing up. Could be a sport, band, drama club, whatever. Can help shape/change/teach life lessons. https://t.co/X7nm3QtEjE
— Dan Roche (@RochieWBZ) March 20, 2024
The Athletic’s Kyle Tucker posted, “This is pretty perfect.”
This is pretty perfect. https://t.co/kg25agBZKX
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) March 20, 2024
It’s not often a player makes a bigger impression on people in defeat rather than after a win, but it happened with Harris on Tuesday night.
This is a phenomenal answer that is really what this tournament is all about. https://t.co/JZKLQm3m0l
— Steve Layman (@SteveLayman) March 20, 2024
I couldn’t say it better myself. Basketball>every other sport. #MarchMadness https://t.co/jk8PpdcQZd
— Nate Gonner (@nategonner) March 20, 2024
As good an answer as you’ll ever see from an athlete after a loss. This guy gets it. https://t.co/99TjG5DYDz
— Alex Hickey (@bigahickey) March 20, 2024