Becoming a father has changed Harris
December 14th, 2009 | 
Author: By LARRY VAUGHT
It has not surprised me that Ramon Harris has accepted his new role with John Calipari’s team so well and continues to find ways to help Kentucky win.
He’s not a great scorer and knows scoring is not what this team needs from him. Instead, he’s willing — and able — to play defense, rebound and pass. And he hustles. He never seems to get up on a loose ball or long rebound.
He’s gone from a starter last year to UK’s spark off the bench while playing for his third coach in four years — an unheard of fate at Kentucky.
However, Harris has a new responsibility this year that may have helped him make the transition with Calipari even easier.
He has a 5-month-old daughter, Aubree, who has already been to several games at Rupp Arena.
“I like having her come to games,” said Harris. “Being a father is very important to me. I am a big family guy. I feel like family is something everybody needs. Even if they are not your real family, I still consider this team my family. When I have her around, I see it as a real blessing not only for me, but for the whole team. I bring her to the (Wildcat) Lodge and let my teammates see and interact with her. She has even been to the practice facility a few times. She’s around a lot.”
Harris admits becoming a father has changed him.
“It has changed me a lot. It has changed the way that I act even when I feel like nobody is watching me. It makes me change the way that I talk. Even when my daughter is not around, it changes the way I carry myself. I don’t want to do anything that could ever reflect poorly on her,” Harris said.
Being a father and grandfather, I wondered who he thought might be the best baby-sitter among his teammates and who he would trust to watch his daughter if he needed help.
“If I had to trust one to baby-sit, that is hard. I really don’t think there is a guy on the team that I wouldn’t trust to watch her if I needed them to,” he said. “Whenever they see her, they are great. They are always laughing and joking and playing with her. There’s not honestly one guy on team I wouldn’t trust because they are all great with her and I know they would all be willing to help me out.”
Okay. Here’s the real test. Does he change poopy diapers, a chore I still despise?
“I have been doing diapers since she was born. I have to carry my load. I do enjoy that because I know pretty soon she will be walking and talking and the next thing you know she will be asking, ‘Dad, can I borrow the car?’ I am just enjoying it while I can,” Harris said.
Again, a man wise way beyond his years and certainly someone destined to be a terrific father it seems.
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AWESOME story Larry. This was about as touching as a sports story can be. I am so happy for Ramon and thrilled that he takes his responsibility so seriously. Too many people don’t. Thank you Ramon for all the amazing effort you give this team. And thank you for the amazing effort you are making as a parent.
Got this note from Ramon’s mother, Carmen:
“That was a great story! I really appreciate you writing this story and how you always put Ramon in a positive light. We are really proud of him and we know he will continue to grow.”
He’s really a terrific young man
As I have said repeatedly these guy are great for one reason “GREAT PARENTING”. Ramon has been a pleasure to watch play. He packs his lunch for every play and that is a special ability. I want to thank the Harris family for raising a son that ANY parent should be happy to see visit their daughter. He is an unselfish player which should make him an excellent partner and father. Keep up the good work Ramon we(the BBN) truely appreciate it. THE “VOICE” STRIKES AGAIN.
Larry,
This story is the reason I “LOVE” this site. That and the truely insightful fans that post here. We(the BBN) can always count on you for a better perspective that ALL. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. GO BLUE OR STAY HOME.
than ALL
Larry – Thanks for sharing this story. We always knew Ramon Harris to a gutty basketball player, great defender. But now we have a glimpse of the man he really is. Thanks Ramon for realizing there are more important things than just basketball.
GO CATS!!
Hey Larry. Remember when Adolph Rupp would have a- bring your kid to practice day for the players every year?
Another wonderful story about another great young man. You trying to make an old woman cry, Larry?
What makes this a great team ON the court…
is that they’re great men OFF the court.
Good writing again, Larry.
Ramon has his priorities correct.
If you follow Ramon on twitter….you already knew he was a great guy…this just backs it up even more…His Mom is right…a great young man off and on the court!:)
Wonderful story. I’m still awaiting the stories from some more of the mothers. Ramon’s seems like she would do a good job – also may John Wall’s mom. And, I would love to hear from DeMarcus’ mother – you know he must have been a character to have as a child. I just love his exhuberance and love of life.
Glad all are enjoying the story. It does kind of choke me up,too. Got a call from Ramon’s step-father and I think we can count on hearing more from him and Ramon’s mom about him. I think they will be glad to share and they appreciate all the kind comments posted here about him
Larry, thanks for posting this. What a great kid. What a great team! To be a father while also a full-time student is incredibly challenging– I did it while I was at UK. Add to that being a full-time athlete and I just cannot imagine the challenge.
Best wishes to Ramon and Aubree’s mom. Looking at “the Alaskan assassin” you can just tell that they will all thrive.
Larry,Great story.Ramon is becoming one of the favorites this year.Great for him.I did not see any mention about his wife or girl friend? Got to give her a shout out also.
I will try to provide more on his family. Hard to get much one on one time with him to talk about a non-basketball matter, but I think it is important to let all of you see the human side of these young men and Ramon is one of my favorites
Thank you for this story, Larry. I just recently discovered your site and I’m glad I did. Ramon(no relation) is also one of my favorites.
Glad to have you Dave and glad you posted. I agree with you 100 percent about Ramon
Ramon has been exemplary from day one, always a hard worker. His contributions to this years version of the Cats has been huge. I’m sure it’s comforting to Coach Cal, to have a steady veteran hand to rely on. He’s even said as much…Ramon thanks for sticking it out through the past 4 difficult years….Hopefully, we’ll all be able to celebrate with you and the rest of the team. Come seasons end, a nice deep run in the NCAA would be fitting for your perseverance….Congrats on fatherhood my friend it’s as you know a life altering moment!
Larry,
I agree with many others that have said this before me. Truly these are the stories that we need to hear. Not the sensationalistic digging up dirt to get “hits” or misleading story titles to sell a paper like the “one” that everyone loves to hate in Lexington.
To be sure, I AM NOT accusing you of such, in fact I think you are one of the few that I trust to be both objective and a bit of a “homer” at the same time. I think that has become a unique blend in todays world. I also think UK deserves such a reporter/story teller.
My guess is there are plenty of these type stories from many student athletes at UK. I know I would enjoy reading those type of stories instead of the steady beating of the drum type of stuff that you see on all the sports news channels and on the internet, and print media.
Thanks Larry for your coverage and interesting reports.
GO BIG BLUE!
Agree with you Greg and Papablue. Ramon is pretty special and would love to see him rewarded with a national title.
And it’s fun to do these stories. Problem is getting access to do them. One reason I enjoy football so much. Lot more access
Larry,
Do you think it seems to be easier access to the football players because there are more of them? Or are you saying that (in comparing the key players in football to the key players in basketball) the football players are easier to access?
From a fan’s perspective the football team is much easier to access than the basketball team, mainly because when they come out of the locker room after a game the fans are allowed to wait by the gate for autographs. Not so with the baskeball players.
Excellent story, Larry. It helps me appreciate Ramon even more than I already did, which was a great deal. On the court, I love his hustle for loose balls. With two little daughters of my own, I know how much he has to “hustle” at home too.
Hey LV – Great, Great article.
You know how I feel about Ramon and I couldn’t be happier that he is finally getting the credit and respect he deserves. I have to admit I spend alot of the game watching him because he does so many things that aren’t going to show up in the box score. If you have read any of the press Chuck Hayes has gotten this year and looking back on his career, one can see that Ramon and Chuck share many similarities in work ethic, ability to adapt and in sense of purpose.
As mentioned above, Ramon has had three coaches, injuries (one almost career ending), got a late start in the program, watched most of his freshman classmates depart – and most significantly has managed to embrace a new role on a “new” team – while most importantly becoming a father.
Yeah, I’d say the kid is pretty remarkable.
I hate to post a “me too” comment, but I’m just going to have to do it on this story. These types of stories are why you are the best sportswriter in Kentucky (and beyond), Mr. Vaught! I’m a huge fan of Ramon Harris, and I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I was also a huge fan of Chuck’s as well. They both are those “glue guys” that, if you look at the stat sheet, may not have seemed to do much. But when you think back on the game, Ramon and Chuck always seemed to make the very play that we needed just when we needed it the most. How many times just this season has Ramon grabbed a rebound or made a defensive stop at a critical stage of the game?
Thanks for the story on this remarkable player, Larry.
It’s really kind of nice to see how many Ramon fans there are. Makes me feel even better about UK because Ramon truly is classy and nice to see he is appreciated for his own special way of helping
Was wondering, he is married, right?… if you could talk about his wife, how long married, her perspective on being married to a collegiate basketball player at a high profile D1 program, and her heart on parenting. Thanks.
Hi, what a nice site you have. I found it on Bing while looking for some baby gear. Thanks and God bless.
Glad you liked it Kellie