CHARLESTON - The word "home" means a lot to new Buccaneer basketball commit Mannie Harris.

Home for the 6'3" combo guard is Camilla, Georgia, a town of about 5,000 people tucked deep into the southwest corner of the Peach State. As a highly ranked high school recruit (top 200 in the 2021 class), Harris soared as a member of the Mitchell County (GA) Eagles' basketball program, averaging over 21 points a night and leading his team to a GHSA Sweet 16 appearance his junior season. A successful high school journey landed Harris a scholarship to Georgia Southern University, where he competed for the last three years.

The learning curve from high school hoops to Division I athletics can affect student-athletes in different ways. But Harris said he relied on his three biggest strengths – quickness, ball handling, and defense – to aid in the transition. An assessment of Justin Young from HoopSeen matched Harris's opinion.

"Mannie Harris is one of the best two-way players in the South's 2021 class," he said. "It's one of the most important mid-major signees in the nation." 

At Georgia Southern, Harris said his speed increased, "allowing me to get a good rotation on the ball."  In his final season in Statesboro, he recorded career highs in all statistical categories. He reached double figures in points seven times, shot 38.7 percent from the field, and converted an impressive 81.5 percent of his attempts from the foul line. While his skills consistently improved, so did his work ethic.

"I have learned to not become complacent," Harris said. "Don't become complacent with any one skill. Be versatile."

Harris recently arrived to Charleston Southern for the fourth year of his collegiate journey, and Bucs head coach Saah Nimley is excited about the versatility his new combo-guard brings to the program. 

"He has a knack of making plays for himself and others with the versatility of playing either guard spot," said Nimley. "He is a high-character young man and a great student. I am very excited about adding Mannie to our family." 

After receiving interest from several programs, Harris said he was drawn to Charleston Southern by the atmosphere on campus and his new coach's style of communication. 

"The atmosphere immediately felt like home," he said. "I love how tight-knit and inviting the atmosphere is, which makes me feel like I'm at home. From day one, he has kept it straightforward with me, and I love that. It allows me to know exactly what to expect and what is expected from me."

Harris still looks to his family as his support system, citing many life lessons gifted to him by his father. He also received an endorsement from another South Georgia native and former Bucs' great Kelvin Martin, who had some words of wisdom for Harris.

"Have a winner's mentality in everything," said Martin, the school's all-time leader in rebounds and blocks. As a Buc, Martin shared the court with now head coach, Saah Nimley. "Coach Nimley is a winner and wants guys that want to win in everything they do from the classroom, practice court, and actual games." 

Harris has come a long way from his South Georgia stomping grounds, but he has not forgotten the community that helped him grow. He said he hopes his journey and success inspires other young players from Camilla.

"I would tell a young kid that your dreams are not too far-fetched if they include hard work and dedication. If it is thinkable, it is achievable." 

From a town of 5,000 people to the Holy City, Harris feels he is ready to bring an immediate positive impact to the Buccaneer basketball family.