Manny Harris staying grounded amid Al Riyadi's perfect start

BAGHDAD (Iraq) - Manny Harris refuses to look far ahead, despite how promising Al Riyadi's title defense bid has been so far in the FIBA West Asia Super League (WASL) Season 2.

"At the end of the day, it's about the team; it's about winning. Whatever I can do to help, you know, in big games, try to step up and just keep continuing to play for the team. That's the main thing."

 The well-known journeyman would rather take it one step at a time, even as the reigning West Asia League champions scored a blowout against Al Shorta on the road for their second win in as many games, in the process keeping themselves on top of the Group B standings.

"It's still early," he offered during the postgame presser of their 115-83 victory at Al Shaeb Hall, Thursday night. "We can't look too far ahead. We just take one game at a time, and like I said, continue to just get better each day, and I think we'll be good if we continue to do that."

A grizzled veteran like Harris sure knows what he's preaching. He's no stranger to FIBA club competitions, having played in the Europe Cup and in the Basketball Champions League before finding himself playing in the rising pan-regional contest in West Asia.

The American guard knows how to succeed at such a level, too, having won a BCL championship with AEK Athens in 2018 in a campaign that also saw him win season MVP honors.

"It feels good whenever you can just get out and play and compete," said Harris when asked about playing in another FIBA club competition after suiting up for two games with Hapoel Atsmon Holon in the 2023 BCL. "It always feels good."

Needless to say, he's another major acquisition for an Al Riyadi side that is also being reinforced by Palestinian star Sani Sakakini and Bosnian big man Elmedin Kikanovic.

But Harris didn't come in with any sense of bravado, despite his pedigree. The former NBA player would be the first to admit that it's still an adjustment for him and the team, which is definitely understandable since he's only been with the ball club for two months.

The numbers may prove as much since he's only averaging 9.5 points in the FIBA WASL thus far but none of the stats matter to him, for he's only concerned about one thing.

"Like Coach [Ahmad Farran] said for anybody, it's an adjustment. I think I've been doing a good job just keeping my head and adjusting," said Harris, who's also norming 8.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists.

"At the end of the day, it's about the team; it's about winning. Whatever I can do to help, you know, in big games, try to step up and just keep continuing to play for the team. That's the main thing."

FIBA