The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Longhorns spotlight: Sydmill Harris
11.19.2004 | Men's Basketball
Jeremy Sharpe, UT Media Relations Assistant
Sociology is the study of human social behavior. It just so happens to be the major of Texas' freest thinker, senior Sydmill Harris. But, even he wonders, "do I study the world because I study sociology or do I study sociology because I study the world?" It is that kind of mindset that has allowed this Dutchman to become so comfortable in a foreign land after just three years.
"There are differences between where I'm from and here, but they aren't good or bad differences," said Harris, who enters this season ranked sixth on Texas' career three-point percentage chart (37.5%). "For instance, my father came to visit and we went to eat with a couple of friends. In The Netherlands, it is common to say 'enjoy your meal' to each person at the table before they start eating. My friends were looking at him kind of funny for it, and he was equally confused, not realizing that it isn't done over here."
As for Harris, he has fit right in since coming to Austin before his freshman season. If you didn't know it prior to meeting him, it would be hard to tell that he grew up outside of the United States. He speaks five languages, but there isn't a noticeable accent.
"I think I sound American because it seems like it is easier for Americans to trust you if you look and sound like they do," Harris explained. "But, I am a Dutchman."
Being a Dutchman, most Americans would think that the first love of a kid growing up in a European country would be soccer. But, at an early age, Harris chose making baskets over scoring goals for one simple reason.
"I didn't want to be outside," stated Harris, a member of the Big 12 All-Reserve team as a sophomore. "It is kind of cold and rainy where I grew up and I didn't like that, so I picked basketball because it is played inside."
Picking basketball meant playing for a club team because his high school, Caland Lyceum, did not sponsor athletic programs. Harris ended up playing for the Ricoh Astronauts, where he earned Rookie of the Year honors after leading his team to the Dutch League championship. He was also the starter at shooting guard for the Dutch National team, which peaked the interest of many college coaches. LaSalle, Boston College and UCLA were all interested, but Harris fell in love with the coaches and the campus in Austin. Now entering his fourth season, he finally feels comfortable playing an American style of basketball.
"There are different rules and it is a different style than what I grew up playing," explained Harris. "In Europe, much of the time, I was the most athletic player on the floor. Here, it is different, so I have to approach the game differently and think about it more."
Thinking is something that Sydmill Harris has always done, whether it be on the court or off. He feels that his European background is to thank for this trait. Fortunately, for Longhorns' fans, Harris will be making regular entries into a diary that will basically be the world according to Sydmill. He'll be discussing basketball, news and any other items that strike his fancy. The first entry is already available at TexasSports.com, so visit the site and see what is going on with Texas' first European-born basketball player.
