Blue Devil Country

Special Moment for Former Duke Basketball Player Harry Giles

Regardless of Harry Giles' production, the Duke basketball talent has a knack for earning adoration anywhere he calls home.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
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Harry Giles has seen action in only four contests for the Brooklyn Nets this season, the 25-year-old forward's first NBA campaign since 2020-21. And his playing time has been of the mop-up variety.

But he continues to average more points (5.8) than minutes (5.3) per outing.

On Monday night, in a follow-up to his eight points, two rebounds, and one block in Friday night's blowout home win over the Washington Wizards, Giles tallied three points in his four minutes on the floor in a 131-118 loss at the Sacramento Kings.

That doesn't constitute a headline-worthy stat line. However, it's worth noting that his night included one heartfelt standing ovation from the Sacramento crowd:

The Kings traded for Giles after he came off the board No. 20 overall to the Portland Trail Blazers at the 2017 NBA Draft following his one-and-done Duke basketball campaign. He remained with the franchise for three years.

As evident in the above video, the former five-star recruit from Winston-Salem, N.C., who has always been an endearingly energetic player despite the numerous injuries that have long limited his impact on the court, became a fan favorite off the bench in Sacramento.

Following his homecoming of sorts, Giles explained to The Sacramento Bee's Jason Anderson that the love is mutual.

"They're so genuine," Giles said. "I don't know what it is. It just feels like home. It feels like we've known each other forever. Some people are just meant for you. Sacramento fans are meant for me, and I'm meant for them. That's a mutual thing we have in common.

"I feel like I'm from here almost."

In the second of their five straight road games, the Nets (12-10) next face the Phoenix Suns (13-10) at 9 p.m. ET Wednesday. Chances are Harry Giles won't play unless it's a lopsided affair late.

Brooklyn's other NBA Blue Devil, 2022-23 one-and-done Dariq Whitehead, has played only one game and scored only one point as a rookie. He's primarily developing his talent with the Nets' G League affiliate after working his way back from foot surgery in June.

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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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