Harris ‘Mutombo’ Lawuba is one of Liberia’s veteran center. With over 10+ years experience in the sport here in the country.

Besides his exploit on the court, Harris is also a humanitarian. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Messenger of Sports. An NGO promoting sports in far reached communities in Liberia.

Harris is a known member of Sport Without Boundaries. A charity based in West Sussex that helps develop sporting opportunities for children with disabilities.

‘Mutombo’ as he is affectionately call by many fans, is a true son of Lofa County. The aka derived from his shot-blocking abilities.

All through his playing career he represents his county in the National County Sports Meet. Last county-meet, he propelled the county to their first final where they lost to Grand Kru. Grand Kru was lead by His Excellency George M. Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia.

Harris who recently graduated from the AME Zion University, won numerous championships and individual award with his school. Most notably, ‘Best Defensive Player Award.’

As a sports/youth advocate, one will always find him spearheading debates regarding the promotion and growth of the sport he so love.

Therefore, it was no surprise that after negotiations regarding his contract extension with LPRC Oilers broke down, it was just a matter of days before another team picks him.

Invincible Eleven, who had been out of the league for the past four seasons, scooped the shot blocker in their first week of recruiting. It was like home coming. Harris has played with all major D1 teams except NPA Pythons.

Since his signing with the ‘Yellow Boys,’ Harris was feature in their first two games and then he became inconspicuous.

At first , many thought it was either injury or probably his name was omitted from the rotation.

Liberiabasketball.net reached out to the veteran to ascertain  his absence.

“To be fair with you,” he said, “I am on the verge of leaving I.E.”

“I traveled to a sports outreach outside of Monrovia, and it seems my coach had issues with my brief absence.”

He went on to inform Liberiabasketball.net that he was sidelined on the practice ground and since has not been told his status with the team.

“I am heading to the federation to make my case and get clearance to play for another team,” Harris concluded.

To get their side of the story, the Technical Director of I.E. when contacted had this to say, “He is one of us and we have no plans dropping him.’

Harris is not deter by the current circumstances and is bent on improving basketball in Liberia.

I hope for a better Liberia basketball that young players will be allowed to explore that talent. I want to see a corruption-free system, a better youths program that will be free from systematic correction a system that will have accountability and transparency. A system where players’ rights will be respected.  A system that will expose our young players outside of the country, a system that will erase the mindset of past players that it wasn’t them so it can be the younger generation. – Harris ‘Mutombo’ Lawuba

 
Do you think Harris will wear another color this season? Comment below.