Alumni Spotlight: Owen Harris

Legendary Point Guard | Program Record Holder | Wildcat Hall of Fame Era

At Bethune-Cookman University, excellence on the hardwood has a rich history—and Owen Harris stands at the heart of it.

The greatest assists leader in Bethune-Cookman men’s basketball history, Harris was a four-year starter from 1967–1971 under Hall of Fame head coach Jack "Cy" McClairen. As the floor general of some of the most dominant teams in program history, Harris orchestrated the offense with precision, leadership, and unselfish play.

The Ultimate Playmaker

As a point guard, Harris delivered the ball to fellow Hall of Famers Carl Fuller and Johnny "Gator" Allen, helping power one of the most celebrated eras in Wildcat basketball. His vision and court awareness made him the engine behind the team’s success.

Championship Legacy

Harris was the starting point guard on the legendary 1968 SIAC Championship team, a defining moment in program history within the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. That championship squad remains one of the most iconic teams ever to represent Bethune-Cookman.

Record Book Greatness

His impact wasn’t limited to passing:

• All-time leader in assists

• School record holder in free-throw percentage

• Ninth all-time in scoring with 1,401 career points

Harris combined scoring ability, efficiency, and leadership—an elite combination for any era.

Hall of Fame Honor

In 2016, Owen Harris was inducted into the Bethune-Cookman University Hall of Fame, cementing his place among the program’s all-time greats. This year, he proudly celebrates his 10-year anniversary as a Hall of Famer, a milestone that reflects a decade of officially recognized excellence—and a lifetime of impact.

From Player to Mentor

After his playing career, Harris continued to pour into the program, serving four years as an assistant basketball coach at Bethune-Cookman. He later became a highly successful high school coach in Florida, shaping the next generation of student-athletes with the same discipline and basketball IQ that defined his own career.

Owen Harris’ legacy is woven into the fabric of Bethune-Cookman basketball history. As a championship point guard, record holder, and mentor, he exemplifies Wildcat excellence—on and off the court.