Josh Harrellson graduated from UK in 2011 but is still playing professional basketball in Japan. (Hitachi Sun Rockets Photo)
One thing has not changed about former University of Kentucky basketball player Josh Harrellson — any conversation with him is always going to be fun.
Recently I caught up with him after his sixth season in Japan ended with a league championship. Here’s part of what he had to say:
Question: For those of us who haven’t seen you play in a while in person, it sounds like you are still rebounding, making 3’s and just being Jorts. Or has your game had to change?
Harrellson: “My game has not changed very much. Still rebounding, playing defense and making 3’s. I have made a name for myself here in Japan for being one of the best defenders, if not the best one-on-one defender, and being respected as a shooter.”
Question: I admire that you never gave up on your dream at UK of playing professionally. Has there been a time you did get close to packing it in?
Harrellson: “There were many times in college I thought about taking the easy way out and transferring under Billy and under Cal. Basketball isn’t easy mentally and physically. But I can control my mental and just continue to push through those barriers.”
Question: Do you stay in touch with any former teammates and do you get a chance to keep up with the Cats?
Harrellson: “I keep in touch with Patrick (Patterson) and Darius (Miller) the most. We were all close in college. It is difficult being away and keeping in touch but I try my best. It is difficult to watch every (UK) game but I always check the highlights and the stats. I thought for sure they were going to make a deep run (in the NCAA Tournament) this past season. But everyone knows, in March Madness, any team can win.”
Question: What do you think of Oscar Tshiebwe from afar?
Harrellson: “Big O is an animal. That dude just outworks everyone he plays against. He is a gifted individual. I am very excited he is coming back. Can’t wait to see how he plays this season.”
Question: Finally, do you ever run into UK fans in Japan?
Harrellson: “There actually have been a few UK fans I have met in Japan. Kentucky fans are all across the world. Not just Big Blue Nation. It is a big blue world out here.”
12 Responses
I loved what he did at UK , he knew he had to step up his game and became a heck of a player.. And I loved when he whipped the ball off of Jared Sullinger of Ohio st..
Well not everyone loved that play Grant but I still think that is what won the game for UK. Set the tone
I also remember he slam the ball to the floor of being frustrated and got a T if I’m correct that cost us the game Don’t remember who we were playing it was during regular season.
Actually he slammed the ball out of excitement as he got the rebound d and was fouled
Thanks Ray for corrected me.
I believe that was Isaac Humphries.
I remember watching Josh Harrelson play in junior college game against SIC Falcons in Harrisburg IL. told my brother in law that guy Josh will be playing in pros some day. I watched him later playing for my Kentucky Wildcats. Way to go Josh!
Great memory Charles
I love UK basketball but being from Columbus, Ohio I have never gotten past the ball slam off of Jared Sullinger. That’s one of the dirtiest plays I’ve ever seen!
I was there and didn’t think it was dirty. I just thought it was a spur of the moment thing and I can’t remember if Josh said he hit him there on purpose or not
Dirty would have been at the gonads
I just revisited it on youtube..that sound never gets old..anyways sullinger should have had a found called on him as he bodied Josh . So as he was going out of bounds I think he had a bit of revenge for the no call. Trust me he wasn’t going to throw it if he hadn’t been body shoved by sullinger..