Blue Devil Country

Paolo Banchero Reacts to Duke Basketball Class Preview in Title Bout

Three future Duke basketball teammates left folks impressed at the Chipotle Nationals.

Matt Giles

Former Duke basketball forward Paolo Banchero
Former Duke basketball forward Paolo Banchero / Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
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The six-deep 2024 Duke basketball recruiting class features the top-ranked prospect in phenom forward Cooper Flagg. Naturally, the 6-foot-9, 200-pound jack of all trades garners the most fanfare.

But during Saturday afternoon's Chipotle Nationals championship showdown against Flagg's now-legendary Montverde Academy (Fla.) squad in Indiana, two other incoming Blue Devils in the top-ranked recruiting haul demonstrated why they're not to be overlooked.

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Yes, despite the 79-63 loss to Flagg, who took home the Chipotle Nationals MVP hardware for his No. 1 seed Eagles (33-0) after tallying 16 points, eight rebounds, and six blocks in the title game, Paul VI Catholic (Va.) four-star forward Darren Harris and five-star center Patrick Ngongba also gave Duke basketball enthusiasts plenty to daydream about in anticipation of the 2024-25 season.

Harris, who ranks No. 54 overall on the 247Sports 2024 Composite and is arguably the premier 3-point shooter among his peers, heated up a few times to help keep the No. 2 seed Panthers (35-3) within striking range, albeit to no avail in the end. The 6-foot-6, 195-pound sensation, an All-Tournament Team selection alongside Flagg, finished with 16 points, three rebounds, three assists, and one steal, shooting 5-for-14 from the field, 3-for-9 from long distance, and 3-for-3 at the line.

As for Ngongba, who boasts a No. 23 composite ranking but missed almost his entire senior campaign while recovering from November foot surgery, the 6-foot-11, 235-pound giant delivered the overall most productive of his three outings since his return to action for the Chipotle Nationals. He recorded 11 points, four boards, three dimes, and two steals, but it's worth noting he picked up five fouls in only 15 minutes off the bench.

Evidently, 2021-22 Duke basketball one-and-done and former No. 1 overall draft pick Paolo Banchero liked what he saw from the trio under the prep scene's brightest lights. The second-year Orlando Magic forward, a first-time All-Star for the upstart franchise this season as the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, chimed in on social media with a one-sentence assessment of Jon Scheyer's second No. 1 collection arriving for his third season at the helm in Durham: "that duke class next year is crazy👀."

All three others set to join Cooper Flagg, Darren Harris, and Patrick Ngongba II as Blue Devil freshmen in the fall are five-star talents: NBA Academy Africa big man Khaman Maluach (No. 6 composite ranking), North Meck (N.C.) wing Isaiah Evans (No. 14), and Wisconsin Lutheran forward Kon Knueppel (No. 17).

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI for more 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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