Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball One-And-Done 'Ready for Another Chance'

Duke basketball talent Harry Giles III appears bouncier than ever as a pro.

Matt Giles

Duke Basketball One-And-Done 'Ready for Another Chance'
Duke Basketball One-And-Done 'Ready for Another Chance' /
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There's no telling yet if Harry Giles III's private workout for roughly a dozen NBA front offices this week will lead to a contract for next season. The 2016-17 Duke basketball one-and-done and one-time No. 1 overall recruit, marred by knee injuries in high school, hasn't been on a roster in the league since 2020-21.

RELATED: Ranking All 26 Duke One-And-Done Talents Under Coach K

But there's no doubt Giles looks to have regained some spring in his step, evident in the following highlights, courtesy of Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes, from his workout on Tuesday in Las Vegas. And he displayed that improvement, along with crisp moves and shooting all over the court, without needing clunky knee braces.

At the gym where the workout took place, Giles, who went No. 20 overall at the 2017 NBA Draft despite lackluster numbers as a Duke basketball reserve, explained his perseverant outlook during a courtside chat with FOX40 News' Sean Cunningham.

"I'm 25 years old, and I'm getting judged," the 6-foot-11, 240-pound big man said. "I fight a battle every day sometimes. It's tough that injuries are the only thing that, like, changing my career, that's holding me back, that's got people questioning me...At the same time, I wanted to play the game. I love the game...

"I'd be lying to you if I said [the struggles] didn't kind of drain me for a second...Life hit me a little bit, too...This last year, I've been getting the spark back. I've been getting the fire back up under me. I'm confident. I'm healthy. And I feel good, and I want to play again."

Harry Giles III last played one season for the Portland Trail Blazers, averaging only 2.8 points in 9.2 minutes per game across his 38 outings. 

RELATED: List of Every Blue Devil Currently in the NBA

Before that, he averaged 7.0 points and 3.9 rebounds in a significantly more meaningful role off the bench across his two seasons with the Sacramento Kings to begin his professional career.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for daily doses of Duke basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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