Impact player: EWU’s Julian Harrell

A year ago, Eastern transfer swingman Julian Harrell couldn’t even practice because of a wrist injury suffered in the offseason.

This year, Harrell is off and running. So are the Eagles, who will count on the 6-foot-5 Harrell in every phase of the game: scoring, rebounding and ball-handling.

Returning just in time for Big Sky play last year, Harrell made an immediate contribution with his versatility. He averaged 8.2 points and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 50 percent from the field.

That will be crucial again this year, as the Eagles break in a new power forward and an untested backcourt. Harrell will be expected to contribute with rebounding as well as ball-handling.

“Being healthy makes a huge difference,” Harrell said. “Having the full summer and the preseason is huge,” Harrell said. “It’s huge getting in rhythm with the team and your own personal rhythm.”