School: Elgin, 1999. Position: Guard. College: Illinois.
Harrington finished his high school career as a 1999 Tribune first-team All-State selection–along with current Illini teammate Brian Cook–and as the holder of 62 Elgin school records, including most career points (2,119). The 6-foot-3-inch guard was twice named Academic All-Big Ten and has emerged as Illinois’ three-point specialist, currently leading the conference with a .545 percentage. He hit his sixth three-pointer of the night with 2 minutes 23 seconds left to give Illinois the lead for good in Tuesday night’s 76-70 win over Minnesota.
What went through your mind during that important shot in the Minnesota game?
“There was really no time to think about anything except for knocking down the shot. I didn’t even know how important it was until the game was over. I just knew we still had a long way to go and needed some defensive stops at the other end.”
Do you want the ball in your hands in those crucial situations?
“I feel very confident in my shot. If I have an open look, I have no problem taking it.”
Is there any unfinished business you want to take care of in your final season at Illinois?
“It’s my senior year and I want to go out with a bang. Hopefully I will have contributed to our team ending up on top.”
Is the NBA in your future?
“That’s the dream. But at some point it will run out, so I just hope to keep playing as long as I can and then maybe someday get into college coaching.”
