Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball: Blue Devils Lose Battle for Top-Tier Recruit

Longtime Duke basketball recruiting target Dylan Harper is staying close to home for college.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)
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On Wednesday afternoon, Don Bosco Prep (N.J.) five-star senior Dylan Harper, who ranks No. 2 overall on the 247Sports 2024 Composite and has held a Duke basketball offer for over a year, announced his commitment to Rutgers. The Scarlets Knights were the home-state favorite.

The 6-foot-5, 180-pound crafty guard, the son of former five-star NBA champion Ron Harper and younger brother of recent Rutgers star Ron Harper Jr., had been down to five finalists since January. That list included Rutgers, of course, along with Duke, Kansas, Indiana, and Auburn.

But in the homestretch of Dylan Harper's recruitment, many insiders painted it as a two-horse race between the Scarlet Knights and Blue Devils.

With the commitment, Rutgers jumped to No. 3 in the team rankings on the 2024 trail. The Scarlet Knights already boasted the No. 3 prospect in the class and Harper's friend in McEachern High School (Ga.) five-star forward Ace Bailey.

Meanwhile, Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer and his cohorts enjoy the nation's top-ranked 2024 collection via early signatures from five heralded talents:

  • Montverde Academy (Fla.) five-star forward Cooper Flagg (ranks No. 1)
  • North Mecklenburg High School (N.C.) five-star forward Isaiah Evans (No. 13)
  • Wisconsin Lutheran five-star forward Kon Knueppel (No. 16)
  • Paul VI Catholic High School (Va.) five-star center Patrick Ngongba II (No. 22)
  • Paul VI Catholic four-star forward Darren Harris (No. 57)

Now, Long Island Lutheran High School (N.Y.) five-star guard VJ Edgecombe (No. 5) is the only undecided 2024 prep on the Blue Devils' recruiting wishlist.

NBA Scouts Set to Eye Prized Duke Signee Cooper Flagg

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke basketball recruiting 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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