Although Garris was projected to be a late first round or early second round pick in the NBA Draft, he went undrafted, but signed as a free-agent with the Denver Nuggets.
For nine years he played overseas for the Italian teams Banca Popolare Ragusa (Serie A2, 2001-2002), Porte Garofoli Osimo (Serie A2, 2002-2003), Bipop-Carire Reggio Emilia (Serie A2, 2003-2004, Serie A, 2004-2005), Climamio Bologna (2005-2006) (reached the Italian championship final and won Italian Supercup) and Armani Jeans Milano (2006-2007).