Zion Harmon isn’t like most middle schoolers. This summer, Harmon became the first seventh grader to play on the Nike EYBL Circuit and showed that he can play with the best of them. “I feel like God gave me the opportunity to play on the EYBL circuit and if he wanted me to play, then he would find a way to make me play.” said the class of 2021 point guard.

Not only did Harmon play on the circuit, he dominated, averaging 17 points per game, along with 4.4 assists per game. Now, as Harmon enters his final year of middle school, he will not only have to deal with the pressure of being a national phenom, but also his move from Nashville, Tennessee to Bowling Green, Kentucky.

 

When Harmon started playing basketball at the age of five, it was clear that he was a special talent. “I was playing eight and under kids,” Harmon said. However, it wasn’t until a couple years later that he started gaining national attention. “When I reclassified, during my third-grade year, we won the national championship in Orlando and I was designated the number one player in the country.” said the Class of 2021 guard.

Since that national championship, Harmon has continued to improve, resulting in plenty of scholarship offers, even before he starts his high school career. With offers from schools such as New Mexico, Missouri, and Western Kentucky, it is clear that colleges are taking an interest, but it seems like there is one school on his mind the most. “My favorite school right now would probably be Kansas.” he continued. “Since I was young, my dad has run that offense, the high-low offense and ever since I was young, that’s the offense that I like to run.”

 

Harmon still has plenty of time before he has to make a decision and will surely receive more offers in the future, but his early start has put him far ahead of other middle schoolers. From being ranked #1 in the 2021 class to his historic performance on the Nike EYBL circuit, Harmon has captured the nation’s attention, but at such a young age, the media frenzy can sometimes take a toll. “I’ve had to mature pretty fast.” said the 5’8”, 150lb guard. “ I’ve had to deal with a lot of the heat, with people saying false things about me, about my family, and even about different organizations. It’s helped me work harder.”

This added maturity is definitely evident on the court. Although he may be smaller than most of his opponents, he makes up for it with his great prowess shooting the ball. “My pull-up and midrange shot are my greatest strengths.” he continued. “ I want to improve every aspect of my game, but the main part is my defense. Being an eighth grader, playing against the older kids, I have to get stronger.”

 

Helping him through it all has been his supportive family and friends. One person that has had a profound impact on Harmon has been five-star, 2018 recruit, Darius Garland. “He’s like an older brother to me.” said the 14-year-old. “Off the court, we’re good friends, kind of like brothers.”

Harmon has also had an impact on Garland, as he says, “Zion is like my little brother. Zion and I work out a lot and he always goes 110% no matter what. Zion has a really bright future and he always is a little brother to me, and I wish the best for him.”

 

In addition to Garland, Harmon’s parents have also been by his side every step of the way, as he said, “My mom and dad raised me well, so I’m pretty mature. I’m a pretty mature 14-year-old and I know what to do and what not to do.”

 

With his high school career nearing and the whole nation watching, Zion Harmon is ready to prove that he is the top player in the Class of 2021. He is certainly a player to keep an eye on next year, as he continues to rack up the scholarship offers at such a young age. While he may be at the top of his class, Harmon stays motivated through his religion, as he sums it up best, “I want to achieve glory in God’s name. I have a good relationship with God. I read the bible, so I do everything for him.”