Tyasha Harris Seizing the Chance to Lead with AU Pro Basketball
Tyasha “Ty” Harris, one of the most talented South Carolina Gamecocks to ever play the game, is continuing to shine after her standout season in the WNBA. Now, in her first year with Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball, she’s embracing the challenge and is determined to show there’s more to her game than what most might expect.
As captain of the purple team for Week Two, Harris is stepping up and ready to demonstrate the value of a true point guard in a game that has moved toward positionless basketball. She’s out to prove that point guards not only still exist but are essential in today’s game.
For Harris, joining AU Pro Basketball was the perfect opportunity to stay in shape and prepare for the upcoming WNBA season. With a domestic league like AU, she doesn’t have to go overseas and risk coming back out of sync.
“It was exciting,” Harris said. “It’s a league here in the United States where I don’t have to go overseas or like what happened to me where I came home early and still wanna be in shape for the season, and that’s the biggest thing honestly.
“Last season I stayed home the entire time and I was just working out and then once the season started and training camp, I still kinda had to get back used to playing 5-on-5 basketball because workouts and stuff are good but nothing compares to that actual game. So, that’s one of the things that I really wanted to try before the W season starts to see how different the beginning would be for me. Just playing in it from the scrimmages to the first week and now the second week, it’s been amazing.”
Harris had an impressive start to Week Two, contributing 13 points, six rebounds, and four assists in her team’s 87-81 win over Team Bradford. She continued to climb the leaderboard and currently sits in the No. 2 spot overall. As captain, Harris is seizing the chance to show she can be more than just a quiet leader.
“It kind of forces me to be the vocal leader that everybody has challenged me to be,” she said. “I feel like I’m already a leader. I’m just more of a silent assassin leader, where I get you behind the scenes, but now that I’m a captain I gotta make up the whole practice schedule. I gotta do the warm-ups and I mean I’m being the GM. I gotta do everything that the coaches usually do, so it’s kind of a new look and I’m learning a lot … It’s challenging me and it’s only helping me further my game.”
Known for her fearless play and clutch performances, Harris has earned a reputation for being deadly from behind the arc at crucial moments. As a member of the Connecticut Sun in 2024, she showcased that ability in their run to the WNBA semifinals. Though often labeled a “pass-first” guard, Harris clarifies that her approach is more about making the best choice for her team, ensuring they have the confidence to play freely before taking her own shot.
“I don’t think I’m just a pass-first player,” Harris explained. “I feel like a lot of people portrayed me as the pass-first point guard where I’m quiet and just passing it, but I don’t think that’s the case. Yes, I pass, but it’s also just because of who I am. I’m a true point guard where I want to get my teammates involved. I want to instill confidence in them, where they are playing at their best. I’m just a very picky scorer.
“I don’t wanna say pass-first like a person who’s scared to score or shoot the ball, I’m just a person who wants to pick and choose when I want to start myself and I think that’s helped my team this early season so far.”
In 2024, Harris significantly improved her game, from increased minutes to higher field goal percentages, assists, and points per game. She started 38 games and posted the best numbers of her young WNBA career. In January, she was traded from the Connecticut Sun to the Dallas Wings, where her professional journey began as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2020 WNBA draft. Though the trade was unexpected, Harris sees it as a sign that teams recognize her value.
“I was surprised, especially since I didn’t expect to be traded from Connecticut, but I understand how trades work,” she says. “It’s clear I’m valuable when teams are interested in me. I’m excited to return to Dallas. It’s where my dreams began, and it feels great to come back, show my growth, and reconnect with the fans and staff who were always there for me.”
With two games remaining in Week Two of AU Pro Basketball, Harris is eager to continue proving herself and lead her team with the same drive and leadership that have defined her career.
Terrika Foster-Brasby is a women’s basketball analyst and former DII athlete, serving as a digital reporter for AU Pro Basketball. You can follow her on Instagram @sheknowssports_ & Twitter @sheknowssports.
