Duke basketball is pursuing a prep who models his game after Klay Thompson.
Paul VI (Va.) small forward Darren Harris remains unranked and unrated on major recruiting sites. That said, his 3-point prowess has drawn high praise from scouts and a handful of offers from high-major programs.
Now, the Duke Blue Devils are in the mix. During his unofficial visit to Durham this weekend, the 6-foot-6, 195-pound junior revealed the offer on Twitter. Harris joins Gill St. Bernard’s (N.J.) five-star small forward Naas Cunningham, who sits atop the 247Sports 2024 Composite, as the only players in the class thus far to end up on Duke’s official wishlist.
In December, Eric Bossi of 247Sports expressed his respect for Harris’ often-sizzling displays:
“It is still very early, but when it comes time to discuss the country’s top shooters in the sophomore class, Harris’ name has to be near or possibly even at the very top of the list. Harris wields a straight-up flamethrower from deep and has impeccable shot mechanics.”
Bossi continued:
“He’s smart, he’s skilled, and he’s very well-coached, and that combination means he’s likely going to end up at a high major.”
According to Harris’ recent chat with 247Sports, he is honing his craft while paying attention to one renowned NBA sharpshooter in particular:
“I’m a catch-and-shoot guy first, but when I need to, I put the ball on the floor and look to score or make a play…I watch a lot of Klay Thompson. He moves without the ball really well…He’s also really efficient with his moves. He never dribbles and is an elite scorer.”
Some familiarity already with the Duke basketball environment
Duke’s win on Saturday over the visiting Florida State Seminoles was not the first time Darren Harris has attended a game in Cameron Indoor Stadium this season. No, he was in the bleachers for the victory over the Campbell Camels in November.
Harris, who hails from the same school as Blue Devil guards Jeremy Roach and Trevor Keels, suggested to 247Sports in October that he has a somewhat deep appreciation for the program:
“We watch a lot of ACC; I watch a lot of Duke…”
The 247Sports Crystal Ball for Darren Harris is empty, which is no surprise given how early it is on the 2024 recruiting trail. But it wouldn’t be a shock to see insiders soon peg the Blue Devils as the early frontrunners.
Stay tuned to Ball Durham for more Duke basketball recruiting news and views.