Former Providence forward Tyler Harris coming to Auburn

AUBURN -- How's this for brotherly love?

Bruce Pearl has landed former Providence forward Tyler Harris, a top five transfer whose older brother, Tobias, played for Pearl at Tennessee and is now with the Orlando Magic, as a graduate transfer to immediately bolster Auburn's front court.

Tyler Harris, ranked the No. 5 transfer player this offseason by ESPN, averaged 9.9 points and 4.4 rebounds while making 12 starts in 34 games at Providence last season. He chose Auburn, which he visited from May 1-3, over UCONN, Oklahoma State, Georgia Tech and Nebraska, among others.

"I knew that Bruce Pearl would be able to put me in a position like my brother was able to play in," Harris said. "I feel like Auburn was the best school for me to be at. I feel like I can help the team a lot to reach the ultimate goal: winning games, get into the (NCAA) Tournament and winning championships."

Harris said Auburn plans to play him at power forward in a guard-oriented lineup or small forward in a big lineup, which would likely feature Cinmeon Bowers and either Trayvon Reed, Horace Spencer or Jordon Granger.

A native of Dix Hills, New York, Harris knows Auburn guard Kareem Canty, the former Marshall transfer and Harlem native who will take over as the starting point guard this season.

"I think we can do a lot," Harris said. "Me and Kareem got a great relationship and he's excited for me to come down there and play with him. I believe we can do a lot on the court."

Harris averaged 11.6 points and 5.1 points during the 2013-14 season after sitting out in 2012-13 following a transfer from North Carolina State. He helped lead Providence to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time since 1988-89 and 1989-90.

Harris, who graduates from Providence Sunday, told the Advertiser he'd be in classes when Auburn starts the first May mini-mester Monday.

"I'm ready to work," Harris said. "We got a lot to do."