UCF G Leah Harmon commits to Minnesota Golden Gophers
The Minnesota Gophers Women’s Basketball transfer portal momentum is building. Adding to what is shaping up to be a tactical offseason, the Gophers have their next addition locked in as UCF guard Leah Harmon is coming to Dinkytown to join the Gophers.
What to know about Leah Harmon
Harmon is a 5’6″ point guard who made a massive production leap in her sophomore year last season at UCF. Originally, Harmon signed with the Miami Hurricanes out of high school and as a true freshman, played in 23 games, seeing about 10 minutes per game. As a freshman with limited opportunities, Harmon averaged 2.8 points per game with a season high of 11 points vs Charlotte.
From Miami, Harmon moved on to the Big 12, where she joined the UCF Knights. In her sophomore year, she saw one of the greatest production leaps in the country. Going from 2.8 points per game to 15.7 points per game. Her three-point percentage also increased from 21.7% to 36.8%.
She started every game for the Knights until she suffered a season-ending injury in late January, finishing her season with 20 games played for the Knights, averaging 15.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.
What Does Leah Harmon bring to the Gophers?
Harmon is an explosive scorer at the point guard position. Even as a shorter guard, she is great at attacking the basket with an active dribble and absorbing contact. Her three-point range also showed as a very big threat. She scored in double figures in 15 of her 20 games with UCF. That includes games of 27 points vs Rice, 38 points vs Kansas, and 29 points vs Cincinnati. Harmon’s ability to create in isolation and within the flow of the system will be an asset for the Gophers.
Harmon fills a void that Amaya Battle leaves behind as a lead guard. At first glance, her assist production might not look like much, but she sees the floor very well, and I believe that production can tick up for her with Minnesota. She also plays with active hands on the defensive side of the floor, which will be a requirement with Dawn Plitzuweit. The two biggest things that Gophers fans will want to see are:
- Harmon at full health
- The turnover numbers to come down (3.2 TOs per game)
Harmon is likely to have a prominent role on this Minnesota Gophers team. She’ll have the inside track to the starting point guard job that Battle leaves behind. With her scoring ability, Harmon could be just what the doctor ordered when the Minnesota Gophers need a bucket.
My biggest question is whether she can elevate her facilitation role at this level, and overall, I’m very intrigued by Leah Harmon in the Maroon and Gold.
She’ll have two more years of eligibility to play with the Minnesota Gophers starting this season.
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