The writing was on the wall.
Maurice Harkless had verbally committed to the University of Connecticut and he wanted to make an immediate impact once he got there. The only way for that to happen was for the 6-foot-8 swingman with the sweet jumper and ridiculously long wing span to speed up his development.
Harkless didn’t think that was going to happen at Forest Hills so he decided Wednesday to leave the Queens school for South Kent (Conn.), a prep school many fellow city stars, such as Arizona’s Kevin Parrom and former St. John’s guard Omari Lawrence, have used as a stepping stone to college.
“It will be a better chance for me to get ready for college,” Harkless told The Post. “Just to get away from home and play against better competition every day. Even thought I already have my college, I don’t want to have a hard freshman year because I have to adjust.”
Harkless, who averaged 16 points and 11 rebounds per game last year, visited South Kent on Saturday, when he met with coach Kelvin Jefferson. Jefferson plans to play Harkless at shooting guard, his likely position at Connecticut. At Forest Hills, he was forced to play inside because of the Rangers’ lack of size. He was instrumental in Forest Hills’ recent success, including a Queens borough title in 2009 and PSAL Class AA quarterfinal appearance.
“His goal wasn’t to win a PSAL title; his goal was to become a better player and get ready for the University of Connecticut,” said Nate Blue, his advisor. “He didn’t want to be selfish, do things that wouldn’t benefit the team. Why stay there and play out of position?”
Forest Hills coach Ben Chobhaphand was disappointed, but also happy for Harkless, who he saw develop from a skinny but skilled freshman into a national prospect. He isn’t the first coach to lose a talent like this; plenty of standouts have moved on. Last year alone, Sidiki Johnson left St. Raymond for St. Benedict’s Prep (N.J.) and now Oak Hill Academy (Va.); LeBrent Walker went from Bayside to Montrose Christian (Md.); and Dashaun Wiggins departed Wings Academy for Bridgton Academy (Maine).
“It sucks to lose a kid like him, but we’re gonna be fine,” Chobhaphand said.
Forest Hills’ loss is South Kent’s gain. Jefferson has heard the knock on Harkless that he’s soft, but he feels differently. He sees a “smooth basketball player” that can do many things.
“He plays at his own pace,” Jefferson said. “He can score the ball a lot of different ways. With him being at the 2, we could be the biggest team in the country. He’s as good of a shooter I’ve had since I’ve been here. With his length, he can block shots. He does thing most 2s can’t do because he’s so long.”
Harkless said he spent a lot of time after the season thinking about the decision, whether to stay or go. He didn’t want to leave his teammates, friends or Chobhaphand. Yet, he wanted to be challenged on a daily basis, play a national schedule, and not worry about his future.
“I feel like I need to develop and it’s best for me to go to South Kent,” he said.