Multiple sources reported Sunday that 2014 Marquette men’s basketball commit Malek Harris has been suspended for the entirety of his senior season at Carl Sandburg High School.
A report by the Chicago Sun-Times stated that the highly touted Illinois recruit will not be allowed to finish his high school playing career for disciplinary reasons. Harris’ specific actions have not been brought to light.
The 6-foot-7 forward also missed the first 11 games of his junior campaign after committing undisclosed violations. The Sandburg High School Honor Code states that multiple offenses can eventually result in suspension for one calendar year of performances, activities or competitions.
The Honor Code Suspension Chart denotes that the specific basketball-related penalty assessed to the second offense of a Category B violation is exactly 11 games. A Category B violation is defined as the “use, possession, buying, selling, bartering, or distributing alcohol and/or other drugs.” A third offense under this category would result in “suspension from performances, activities, or competitions for the remainder of the student’s high school career.”
When he did play for Sandburg, the Orland Park, Ill., native was a difference maker. During his junior year absence, the Eagles went 0-11 but rallied to a 10-7 finish upon his return. Over that stretch, Harris scored 17.5 points, grabbed 10.5 rebounds and dished 3.2 assists per game. He would lead Sandburg to two upsets in the state championship tournament, including a victory over third-seeded Homewood-Flossmoor.
ESPN ranked Harris as Illinois’ 11th best recruit and the 33rd best power forward in the nation. Harris received offers from seven other Division I programs including DePaul, Kansas State and Purdue, but verbally committed to Marquette June 26.
The effect of the suspension on Harris’ future with the Golden Eagles is unknown. His strong, physical presence is expected to help fill the voids left by forwards Davante Gardner, Chris Otule and Jamil Wilson after this season.
NCAA rules dictate that Marquette is not permitted to comment on the suspension until Harris signs his national letter of intent. The fall signing period does not begin until Nov. 13.
