March 13, 2012
Four former Aggie men's basketball standouts in the past two seasons have moved on to play professionally, a notable achievement for a program that only gained NCAA Division I status in 2007-08. Dominic Calegari (2010), Mark Payne (2011), Todd Lowenthal (2011) and Joe Harden (2011) are playing in various places throughout the world. Mark Payne was profiled on Jan. 24 and Dominic Calegari was featured on Feb. 3.
Joe Harden, who grew up Acampo, Calif., began his collegiate basketball career at the University of Notre Dame but after one season felt the pull back to Northern California where he joined longtime friend Mark Payne as primary cornerstones of the UC Davis program for three seasons. His relentless play was recognized by the Big West Conference with back-to-back "Best Hustle Player" awards in 2010 and 2011. He amassed 1,326 career points and was among the league leaders in scoring (14.9, 11th) and rebounding (5.6 rpg., 13th) as a senior.
Catching up with Mark Payne | Catching up with Dominic Calegari
By Sean Maraz
Athletics Communications Intern
DAVIS, Calif. - After receiving All-Big West Conference second-team honors two seasons in a row for the Aggies, Harden moved to the professional level. Harden started his professional career in the United States and played in the NBA's Development League for the Dakota Wizards after being drafted in the fifth round last fall. The Dakota Wizards are based in Bismarck, N.D. and were recently purchased by the NBA's Golden State Warriors. Harden, a guard, wore No. 34, averaged 1.5 points and 2.0 rebounds a game for the Wizards.
During an interview with the Lodi News-Sentinel, Harden talked about his transition to professional basketball with the Wizards. "Everyone wants more playing time, more and more starts," he said. "Every practice, you're trying to prove yourselves. I think that's healthy, it leaves zero room for just not taking advantage of situations. There's a lot more competing, which to me is a lot more fun." Harden also said, "I'm just kind of taking it a day at a time. It's a pretty good gig."
After 13 games with the Dakota Wizards, Harden decided to move on. Harden decided to follow in the footsteps of his ex-teammates, Todd Lowenthal and Mark Payne, and play basketball overseas, choosing to go "down under" and play in Australia's pre-eminent men's professional basketball league, the NBL. Harden now plays for the Ballarat Miner's located in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, which is about 70 miles from the city of Melbourne.
In a recent interview with his hometown newspaper, The Stockton Record, Harden explained that he was excited about the move, explaining that he was looking forward to being in a English-speaking country and receiving twice the pay. In addition, Harden explained his new coach had nice things to say about him and had seen him play several times during his time at UC Davis. Harden believes that that playing basketball in Australia is, "going to be a good fit."
