Harris reinstated

Tanith L. Balaban Arizona Daily Wildcat UA junior center Donnell Harris (13) rebounds the ball against Washington State Feb. 7 at McKale Center. Harris was reinstated yesterday after a two game suspension for missing practice.

Harris was suspended for UA's games with California and Stanford over the weekend for missing practice last Monday.

After working out with the team yesterday, Harris said he missed the practice for "personal reasons," and added "I went to class, so it was nothing like that."

Olson did not release a statement about Harris' situation.

The suspension barred Harris from the sidelines during a 76-73 win Thursday over Cal and Saturday's 90-58 drubbing of the Cardinal.

The junior center said his suspension was not a disruption to the team.

"It won't affect us at all. We're a strong group of guys," Harris said.

He added he did not know why he was not allowed on the bench for last week's games and that he had not spoken directly to Olson about the situation.

Olson had said Harris' situation would be re-evaluated this week as the team prepares to close out the regular season at Southern Cal and UCLA.

Harris missed 12 games earlier this season after gall bladder surgery. He returned to the Wildcat lineup against Arizona State Jan. 15 and has been averaging 3.6 points and 2.5 rebounds a game.

Harris said he still is not physically at 100 percent, adding that his strength "is just not there.

"I tried too hard to come back because I just wanted to play so badly," he said. "But I know, eventually, I'll be fine."

Harris, who has seen his playing time decrease since his return from surgery, said he wants to put this situation behind him and "give the team whatever it needs" as it winds down the Pacific 10 Conference season this week.

"I just want to return to the form I had earlier in the year," he said.