Dazzling suits and silver chains sparkled across the green room. For some, it would be a night of celebration and a leap forward in their journey, while for others, a minor setback. The air was thick with tears, laughter and everything in between. Countless hours of work all for this moment. For 58 individuals, their lives were about to change forever. Their dreams were about to become reality.
This was the case for Harrison Ingram ‘21 after he was selected 48th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2024 NBA draft.
Every step mattered for Ingram, each one bringing him closer to the top. And one of those crucial steps started when he was 8 on the AAU circuit.
“Harrison’s AAU Coach was an integral part of his development,” Tyrous Ingram, Ingram’s father said. “Coach Thomas provided the platform for Harrison to play with and against the very best players in the country.”
As Ingram got older, AAU basketball became an even more vital part of his journey. The live periods drew in college coaches, and Ingram had to step up his game. While fans and social media praised his standout performances against elite competition, they didn’t see the countless hours of hard work he put in behind the scenes.
“Harrison had to sacrifice and be committed to getting better,” Mr. Ingram said. “It was not enough to be able to run and jump; you have to possess skill and embrace the fundamentals of the game.”
And Ingram didn’t stop at mastering the fundamentals, he continuously refined his skills and tested himself against the best of the best.
“Playing against high-level competition was the key to becoming the best player possible,” Mr. Ingram said. “Starting early paid huge dividends.”
Although Harrison’s physical ability and on court performance was exceptional, it was his mindset that truly set him apart.
What was evident throughout his childhood was his drive to be the best,” Mr. Ingram said. “He always wanted to compete and win.”
It didn’t matter if he was up against a five star recruit in a packed gym or playing his brother in the backyard- Ingram always gave everything he had.
“HIs older brother Will, who played basketball at Middlebury, helped him in so many ways,” Mr. Ingram said. “He brought out Harrison’s competitive spirit at a very young age.”
While Harrison had many important influences throughout his childhood, the impact of the school has been undeniable.
“As a fourth grader until graduation, Harrison was fortunate to have had great instruction and guidance from St. Mark’s,” Mr. Ingram said. “The teachers, administrators and coaches poured so much into him.”
One of these key mentors was head basketball coach Greg Guiler, who coached Harrison from his freshman through senior year. Over those years, Guiler closely observed Harrison’s growth and is confident that he is ready for the next level.
“He’s such a smart, adaptable thinker,” Guiler said. “He’s always been able to raise his game to the level of the people around and I believe he’s going to do the same in the NBA. When he touches the ball, good things happen.”
Thus far, Guiler’s confidence in Harrison has been validated. Spurs summer league coach Chris Dial had the opportunity to work with Harrison over the summer and was impressed by what he saw.
”I think it’s safe to say that the staff was really proud of Harrison’s effort and his energy, and I think he sustained a really quality level of production,” Dial said. “He had great activity on the defensive end, he altered driving lines and he really shook up passing lanes. He deflected and did a lot of things that the staff was asking of the group.”
Harrison’s recent success is the culmination of years of dedication, stretching all the way back to those 8 year old AAU games. From the start, his parents made sure to build a strong supportive community around him to help him reach his full potential.
“We surrounded Harrison with good people,” Mr. Ingram said. “From coaches, trainers and parents, we have been extremely fortunate to have met some outstanding individuals along this journey. My relationships with Tim Laczkowski and Lee Smith is something that I will cherish forever.”
Though many people have played important roles in Harrison’s life , there are two who have stood by him every step of the way.
Two who have pushed him through both the highs and lows. Two who will never turn their backs on him.
“As parents, it is our job to support our kids to help them reach their goals,” Mr. Ingram said. “As a father, being there was an absolute priority for me. We are very proud of him.”
For Harrison, it truly took a village. It wasn’t a single group that molded him into who he is today, but the united effort of those who believed in him working together to help him achieve his dream. And while that dream has become the reality, it is only the beginning of Harrison’s journey.
“Harrison’s dream was to become a professional basketball player,” Mr. Ingram said. “And now that he’s there, it’s time to get after it and work harder than ever.”
