In the world of sports, few stories capture the balance of perseverance, passion, and giving back, quite like that of Eron Harris, a Lawrence North High School graduate, professional basketball player, and coach. From his humble beginnings as a lightly recruited high school athlete to his current role as a player for Lebanon Leprechauns in The Basketball League (TBL), his journey showcases the power of hard work and determination.
Graduating from Lawrence North in 2012, Harris played basketball all four years but wasn’t heavily recruited until his senior year. He says he exploded out of nowhere. Harris credits standout performances in tournaments for opening the doors to a collegiate career. He first played at West Virginia University under Head Coach Bob Huggins and later at Michigan State University for Tom Izzo, where he experienced high-level coaching and personal growth.
“It was a dream come true,” Harris says. “I found myself, as a player and a man.”
His college career wasn’t without setbacks, though. During his senior year, a devastating knee injury during a game against Purdue ended his season prematurely. Harris tore his ACL and PCL while also dislocating his knee, and the injury was so intense that YouTube removed the video. Despite the hardship, he refused to let the injury define him, pushing forward with grit and determination.
After college, he embarked on a professional basketball journey, starting in the NBA G League with the Wisconsin Herd. He transitioned to Europe, playing in Finland, Norway and Macedonia before the pandemic unexpectedly paused his career. He’s currently in his second year with the Lebanon Leprechauns, embracing the unique structure of TBL.
The league, which features a three-month regular season beginning March 3 and region-based competition, is designed to balance high-level basketball with a strong sense of community engagement. Harris says they play teams in their region, and if a team makes it to the playoffs, they begin playing in other regions.
Beyond his professional career, Harris has found purpose in coaching. He started with a girls varsity team at Thrival Indy Academy before taking on a role at Arsenal Tech High School, where he’s been for three years. Now the junior varsity boys head coach, he also serves as a behavior specialist, working closely with students to ensure their academic and personal success. While playing for the Lebanon Leprechauns, Harris is deeply committed to supporting his players at Arsenal Tech. He says he focuses on his players’ growth on and off the court, and their mental health.
As the Lebanon Leprechauns gear up for their upcoming season, excitement is in the air. Though the roster isn’t finalized, Harris is optimistic about the upcoming season. He says the team’s energy is infectious, and the team’s home games at the Farmers Bank Fieldhouse are a can’t-miss experience, calling them one of the most exciting local sports presentations outside the NBA.
With his story of resilience, dedication and community impact, Harris is more than just a basketball player. He’s a role model, mentor, and proof that hard work can turn dreams into reality. He says for basketball fans, a trip to a Leprechauns game is a chance to see talented athletes and connect with a league that values giving back as much as winning.
For more information on the Lebanon Leprechauns, visit lebanonleprechauns.com.
