Harmon Will Return for Titans

Ike Harmon, the leading scorer and rebounder on the Cal State Fullerton men’s basketball team the last two seasons, has earned his bachelor’s degree and is eligible to play for the Titans this season, the athletic department announced Wednesday.

Harmon gained the added year of eligibility because of an NCAA rule change approved last spring. It allows Proposition 48 nonqualifiers to regain the year they lost as freshmen if they graduate within four years of their enrollment.

Harmon passed 21 units during the summer to complete work toward his degree in criminal justice.

Christine McCarthy, assistant athletic director for academic services, said Harmon has been readmitted to the university, and will pursue a second bachelor’s degree, in kinesiology. “When you accomplish something this big, it’s a real good feeling,” Harmon said. “I’m really happy.”

Harmon was a nonqualifier coming out of Santa Ana Valley High, and could not receive an athletic scholarship or practice with the team during his freshman year.

“Ike has really worked hard this summer,” McCarthy said. “He spent a minimum of eight hours a day in class from early June until late August. Fortunately, he was able to take all the classes he needed during the summer sessions.”

McCarthy said Harmon took one class in astronomy at Santa Ana College because it was not available at Fullerton during the summer. “All 21 units he took were needed for his degree” McCarthy said. “I’ve never had a student do more units during the summer.”

McCarthy said Harmon’s grade point average was “the highest it’s ever been” during the summer sessions.

Harmon said he was optimistic about being able to graduate in four years when he first heard the NCAA was considering the rule change. Previously, only athletes who were partial qualifiers could regain the lost year of eligibility.

“Ike’s attitude was great,” Titan Coach Donny Daniels said. “He never got down, and never thought he couldn’t do it. He understands now there are more important things than basketball.

“Ike has taken advantage of his opportunity. He did exactly what everyone should do. He used basketball to get his education. A whole new world of opportunity opened for Ike today. It’s going to be a great lesson for the guys coming behind him.”

Harmon’s return will be a boost for Daniels, who will be trying to revitalize the Titan program in his first season. Fullerton hasn’t had a winning season since 1992-93 and finished 8-19 last season.

Last season Harmon ranked fourth in the Big West Conference in scoring, averaging 18.7 points, and was among the leaders in rebounding with a 7.5 average. He has averaged 16.6 points and 6.9 rebounds in three seasons with the Titans.

Center Matt Caldwell also will return. He was sidelined after seven games last season because of a shoulder injury that required surgery. He was averaging 12.7 points and 4.3 rebounds when he was hurt.

“I’m going to expect Ike to take a leadership role this season, along with Caldwell,” Daniels said.