Montrezl Harrell: The Man with a Passion for Basketball

Montrezl Harrell, the former Louisville star, has been making waves in the world of basketball this summer. Having played a crucial role in the Cardinals’ last national title in 2013, Harrell has continued to showcase his love for the game, juggling two high-profile leagues: the Big3 and The Basketball Tournament (TBT).

Harrell’s dedication to basketball is evident in his actions, as he has been balancing life between the two leagues. Last weekend, he played 31 minutes for The Ville (Louisville’s alumni team) against La Familia (Kentucky’s alumni team) in the TBT on Saturday. Just a day later, he traveled to Chicago to play for the Chicago Triplets in the Big3, breaking the league’s single-game scoring record with an impressive 42 points in the Triplets’ 50-31 win over the LA Riot.

Harrell’s achievement in the Big3 has cemented his position as one of the league’s top scorers, with a total of 76 points in just two games this season. His impressive performance has sparked excitement among fans and has solidified his reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the court.

When asked about his love for basketball, Harrell expressed his passion for the game, stating, ‘I’m different, I love basketball. I actually love being part of this game.’ He emphasized that his commitment to the sport is not just about the money, but about the joy and peace it brings him. ‘I never wanted basketball to be that for me because although it is my job, I never wanted to look at it as a job. There are plenty of people out here who go into jobs they f—— hate every day. I never wanted to play the game of basketball like that because it’s my peace, it’s my sanctuary.’

Harrell’s love for Louisville and the university’s basketball program is still evident today. After a three-year career at Louisville, he entered the 2015 NBA Draft, where he was selected in the second round (No. 32 overall) by the Rockets. Harrell found a role in the NBA as a glue guy and one of the best sixth men of the mid-2010s. He was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2020 after averaging a career-best 18.6 points per game with the Clippers.

On Monday, Harrell returned to Louisville and scored 35 points at Freedom Hall, helping his team even the series against La Familia and keeping them in contention for the $2 million prize that goes to the winner of TBT. The highlight of the game was Harrell jumping on the scorer’s table with 3:53 left, after his team extended their lead to 25 points.

When asked about his time at Louisville, Harrell expressed his love for the university and the fans, saying, ‘As far as the university itself goes, I still feel love for them. It’s more so what you see the other night in Freedom Hall. That’s why I feel the love, the fans and the people who were there when we made the run that we made.’

Despite being out of the NBA for three years, Harrell remains open to a return to the league. ‘I’m definitely open to going back to the NBA,’ he said. ‘Honestly, it’s one of those things where it’s not my choice. It’s not up to me; it’s up to the NBA organizations as far as the teams. Once you kind of get somebody that puts a bad rep on your name, it’s a bit tough. I had a player who kind of tarnished and kind of put my name in a bad position. … I’m a person who loves to win and play the game the right way. I would do anything for (my) team.’

In conclusion, Montrezl Harrell’s dedication to basketball is truly inspiring. His passion for the game, combined with his impressive performances on the court, have cemented his position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of basketball.

Key Statistics:

• 42 points: Montrezl Harrell’s single-game scoring record in the Big3.
• 76 points: Harrell’s total points in two games this season in the Big3.
• 35 points: Harrell’s performance in the TBT game at Freedom Hall.

Harrell’s Quotes:

• ‘I’m different, I love basketball.’
• ‘I never wanted basketball to be that for me because although it is my job, I never wanted to look at it as a job.’
• ‘I’m definitely open to going back to the NBA.’