MORGANTOWN — It’s been two months since guard Jordan Harrison led West Virginia women’s basketball to a Big 12 tournament championship. She was named the player of the tournament for her craftiness on both ends of the court. Then, Harrison helped the Mountaineers host an NCAA Tournament Regional and win the first round of the tournament.
Harrison, even with her smaller size, drew WNBA interest for her performance at WVU over the season. But Harrison went undrafted and signed a training camp contract with the Portland Fire. She still faced the reality that she had to make the 13-woman roster. On Thursday night, the Fire debuted the roster, and there was Harrison, who will wear No. 2.
“I’m just excited to be here,” Harrison said. “Learn as much as I can. Be a sponge. Listen to everybody and what they have to say. I’m definitely happy and excited that they chose to keep me here.”
Harrison had some work to do to make the roster, though. She was undrafted and a bit smaller. Harrison had to impress Alex Sarama in the first couple of weeks of camp. It’s like a constant tryout with her career in basketball at stake.
“Jordan just earned her spot,” Sarama said. “She was incredible from day one, in terms of the way we play, she couldn’t have been a better fit. … Really, really pleased for Jordan. She deserves this.”
Harrison drew WNBA interest because of her defense. She was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and averaged 3.2 steals per game. Harrison knew she could rely on her defense to make the team.
“I’m known a lot for my defense, so I knew that was one thing that would stand out for me,” Harrison said. “Trying to bring some toughness to the game. I knew that’d work to my advantage. Obviously, my quickness and decision-making.”
She had to compete for a roster spot while learning how to play in the pros and learning a new system under Sarama. She played for WVU head coach Mark Kellogg throughout her entire college career, so she hadn’t had to learn a new system.
Harrison thinks the WNBA game and Sarama’s scheme fit her playing style.
“I like it a lot,” Harrison said. “It’s a lot more like read and react. I think if you can think the game, then you fit into his program really well. Not a whole lot of plays, just taking advantage of what the defense gives us. I think that’s how basketball should be played.”
Harrison played in both of the Fire’s preseason games. She registered a little over 20 minutes in Game 1 of the preseason. Harrison didn’t register a steal but had two rebounds, three assists and five points. She played over 18 minutes in Game 2 and played better. Harrison had a steal, four assists and nine points on 2-for-5 shooting.
Harrison thought the preseason crowd helped her shake off the nerves of playing in the pros as a rookie.
“That was crazy,” Harrison said. “Just having people cheer you on for the court for the first time. That was super exciting, and I think I immediately got comfortable.”
The Fire is an expansion team that will start its first season in 2026. Portland focused on experience when drafting in the expansion draft and took Minnesota Lynx’s Bridget Carleton with the first overall pick. It’ll be interesting to see if the Fire can compete in the now 15-team field.
Harrison and the new team make their debut on May 9 at 9 p.m. for the home and season opener against the Chicago Sky. The rookie might not see too much action in Game 1, but right now, she’s just excited to tell her parents that she made the team.
“They’ve been with me throughout the whole process,” Harrison said. “They have been nervous up and down. I think they are relieved now, a little bit.”
