Player Profile: Richard Harley
By Noah Lopez
Knightly News Reporter
noah.lopez@mymail.centralpenn.edu
Richard Harley is new to Central Penn College and a first-year player on the men’s basketball team. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Harley started playing basketball in second grade.
At first, it was just for fun, but by middle school, he began to take the game more seriously. It wasn’t always easy. Harley was cut from his sixth-grade team, but instead of giving up, he returned stronger the next year and helped his team win a championship.
In high school, Harley played a significant role on his team, leading in scoring and assists. After high school, he continued his basketball career at New Hampshire Technical Institute, where his team won a championship and finished second in the national tournament. Now at Central Penn, Harley is ready to bring that same energy to the Knights.
Harley describes himself as a “team player,” always looking to set up his teammates for success. He’s known for working hard on offense and defense, and he sees his role on the team as a leader.
“I want to be the voice on the court,” Harley said, as he focuses on getting to know his teammates and how they play.
For Harley, basketball is as much a mental game as physical. He talks about the importance of staying confident, even when things don’t go well.
“You can miss a few shots and start doubting yourself, but you have to stay positive,” he said. Harley has also played through injuries, like a sprained ankle and even a broken nose, but his determination to help his team keeps him going.
This season, Harley’s goal is to help the Knights win games and work together as a strong team. In the future, he dreams of playing basketball professionally overseas, where he can see the world while continuing to play the game he loves.
Harley’s advice to future students is simple: Believe in yourself. He thinks confidence and hard work are vital to overcoming challenges and reaching your goals.
This article is part of a series of player profiles featuring key players of our men’s and women’s basketball teams heading into the 2024-25 season.
