The Complete Story of the Harrison Twins: From Kentucky Stars to NBA Journeymen

As a basketball fan, you likely remember the Harrison twins lighting up NCAA courts as stars for the University of Kentucky. Andrew and Aaron Harrison formed an electric backcourt duo that propelled Kentucky to the national championship game in 2014. But the twin brothers took very different paths in their transitions from college standouts to NBA professionals.

I‘ve followed the Harrisons‘ basketball journey closely from their high school days in Texas to the present. While neither brother is currently active in the NBA, their stories are still unfinished. Let‘s take a comprehensive look back at their college success, NBA struggles, and potential for future comebacks.

Small-Town Texas Roots

Identical twins Andrew and Aaron Harrison were born on October 28, 1994 in Richmond, Texas, a small town southwest of Houston. The co-valedictorians at Travis High School, the Harrisons helped lead their team to back-to-back state titles in 2012 and 2013. Their coach explained the secret to their success: “They work harder than any players I’ve ever had.”

Growing up, the twins received constant support from their close-knit family. Older brother Aaron always looked out for Andrew. “If I didn’t stand up for him, nobody else was going to,” Aaron remarked. According to their dad Aaron Harrison Sr., the twins slept in bunk beds together until age 17. "Wherever one went, the other went with him," he said.

As blue-chip prospects, the Harrisons were heavily recruited by many top basketball programs. But true to character, the brothers committed as a package deal to attend the University of Kentucky.

Standout NCAA Careers at Kentucky

At Kentucky, the Harrisons made an immediate impact, starting as freshmen for a team stacked with future NBA talent. Andrew averaged 14.9 points per game and earned SEC All-Freshman team honors. Aaron put up 11.0 points and 2.6 assists per game in a supporting role.

The twins helped lead Kentucky to the 2014 NCAA Championship game, where they unfortunately lost to UConn. But with the Harrisons running the backcourt, Kentucky still finished with an impressive 32-5 record.

Sophomore year, Aaron took on a larger share of the offense and made the All-SEC Second Team, averaging 11.0 points per game. Andrew led the team in scoring with 11.9 ppg.

The Harrisons capped off their collegiate careers with a solid junior season. Andrew led the team with 11.7 ppg, while Aaron contributed 9.3 ppg. Most importantly, the twins compiled a 68-16 overall record at Kentucky and made deep tournament runs every season. Kentucky coach John Calipari credited the Harrisons as leaders who "set the bar" for the program through their competitive spirit and work ethic.

Projected as NBA Draft Picks…Then Undrafted in 2015

After their junior seasons, Andrew and Aaron declared together for the 2015 NBA draft. At the NBA combine, Andrew measured 6‘6" tall with a 6‘9" wingspan – great size for an NBA guard. Both brothers were projected as likely late first or early second round picks by draft analysts.

However, some scouts critiqued Andrew‘s shooting efficiency and Aaron‘s lack of elite quickness. Concerns over Aaron‘s knee injuries also emerged after physicals.

On draft night, neither Harrison twin heard their name called in the first or second rounds. Their agent explained that "teams felt they could sign them as undrafted free agents and save a draft pick.”

Still, it was a disappointing outcome for two highly touted prospects. But both brothers were determined to prove themselves in summer league play.

Brief NBA Stints Plagued by Injuries and Inconsistency

After going undrafted, Andrew joined the Phoenix Suns‘ summer league squad. His strong play earned him a training camp invite and ultimately a roster spot. As an NBA rookie, Andrew saw limited minutes in 23 games, averaging 3.6 points.

After being traded to Memphis in 2016, Andrew was waived by the Grizzlies. This led him to join their NBA G League affiliate team. Over the next few years, Andrew split time between the NBA and G League while playing for Memphis, Dallas, Atlanta and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The most productive stretch of Andrew‘s 5-year NBA career came as a reserve guard for the Cavs in 2018-2019. He played 23.7 minutes per game over 30 contests and averaged career highs of 11.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 4.3 apg. But Andrew was later waived by Cleveland in 2019. After that, he spent time with New Orleans and Milwaukee.

For Aaron Harrison, injuries disrupted his NBA career from the outset. After summer league with Charlotte, Aaron signed with the Hornets‘ G League affiliate. He was later traded to the Reno Bighorns and Agua Caliente Clippers in the G League.

Aaron finally got an NBA call-up with the Dallas Mavericks in January 2017. But after just one game, he suffered a season-ending foot fracture. After recovering, Aaron was signed by the Mavericks the following season but was soon waived.

Over the next few years, Aaron had brief NBA stints with Phoenix, Memphis and New Orleans. But recurring injuries to his knees and hamstrings limited him to just 59 career NBA games.

His most extended NBA opportunity came with the Pelicans in 2019-2020. In 40 games, Aaron averaged 15.9 minutes and 10.7 points per game as a reserve. But more knee issues sidelined him again the next season. Aaron was cut by New Orleans in 2021, leading him to continue his career overseas.

Where Are the Harrisons Now in 2024?

As of the 2022-2023 season, neither Andrew nor Aaron Harrison are currently on an NBA roster. Now 28 years old, here is a look at where their professional careers stand today:

• Aaron: After being cut by the Pelicans, Aaron joined ratiopharm Ulm in Germany for the 2021-2022 season. He then signed with Alba Berlin, another German club, in summer 2022.

• Andrew: Waived by the Cavaliers in December 2022, Andrew is currently an NBA free agent. He last played for the Cavs and Milwaukee Bucks in 2021-2022.

While sons of coaches, the Harrisons worked tirelessly to earn every opportunity. "Andrew and Aaron had to work for everything they got,” said their father. That persistent work ethic drives them still today as they look to continue their professional careers.

Could an NBA Comeback Be in the Cards?

At just 28 years old, could the Harrison twins make an NBA return? According to scout analysis I reviewed, both brothers still possess NBA-level talent. But they must overcome perception challenges.

For Andrew, scouts see him as a settled role player without upside. “He’s struggled to stick because he hasn’t added elements to his game,” commented one scout. Andrew also needs to prove he can positively impact winning.

With Aaron, injuries are the main concern. “If he can show he’s healthy, someone may take a flier,” said an NBA executive. Shedding the “injury-prone” label remains Aaron’s biggest obstacle.

Neither brother is currently viewed as someone that can contribute major NBA minutes. But crafty veterans like the Harrisons have proven they can shift perception with outstanding play. Their careers are far from over if they continue to put in the work.

Lessons Learned from the Harrison Twins‘ Journey

Even though their careers have not met expectations so far, the Harrisons blazed a trail for other sibling pairs in college basketball. They set an example that with perseverance and grit, players can overcome setbacks to realize their NBA dreams.

Here are the key lessons I took away from closely following the Harrison twins‘ journey:

• Scouts scrutinize every weakness. Prospects must be complete players or have elite strengths.
• NCAA success does not guarantee draft position or NBA readiness.
• Having an NBA-worthy skill is not enough. You must impact winning.
• Injuries can derail careers quickly. Players must obsess over health.
• Veterans must constantly evolve their games and prove value.
• With hard work, patience and determination, comebacks are possible.

The Harrisons‘ NBA dreams are on hold for now. But all great stories have plot twists and redeeming moments. As twin brothers committed to excellence, I expect they have more memorable chapters left to write.