2007-08: A strong, athletic forward who slashes to the basket and is a good finisher ... having played two seasons of Division I basketball as a reserve for American University in Washington, DC, he is eligible for practice, but not competition, at NJIT in 2007-08. He has two remaining years of eligibility for competition, starting in 2008-09.

Prior to NJIT: Played two seasons of Division I basketball at American U, which won 28 games in his two seasons. His career highs of 4 points and 3 rebounds came as a freshman against George Mason, which would reach the 2006 Final Four. He also had 3 rebounds vs. powerful Maryland. ... before AU, spent a postgrad prep year in the strong program at the Hun School in Princeton, NJ, where he averaged 10 ppg. ... high school star at Morristown-Beard and was a Top 20 all-star at the prestigious Eastern Invitational Camp in the summer between his junior and senior years.

Personal: Gary Wayne Garris. ... son of Gary and Yolanda Garris. ...will be a teammate of his younger brother, Justin, freshman guard on the Highlanders. The brothers will practice together this season and will team in Division I competition the following year. ... born 6/7/86 in Westwood, NJ.