Duke Basketball: Interesting Update in Dylan Harper Recruitment

Dylan Harper may still be undecided, potentially giving a sign of life to Duke basketball's pursuit.

As 247Sports' Travis Branham noted on Friday after interviewing Don Bosco Prep (N.J.) rising senior and New York Renaissance five-star Dylan Harper at this week's Peach Jam in North Augusta, S.C., the heralded Duke basketball target is less dead set on announcing a commitment this month than he was when they spoke in April.

This time, the 6-foot-5, 180-pound crafty combo guard, who has risen from No. 33 to No. 1 overall on the 247Sports 2024 Composite since receiving an offer from the Blue Devils last August, told Branham to expect his decision "probably sometime after [Peach Jam] or during the high school season."

In other words, while Harper's big day might still be just around the corner, there's a chance his recruitment extends another four months or more. The latter scenario could benefit Duke in that it's currently way too early to tell which members of the 2023-24 Blue Devils' loaded crop of young backcourt talents will turn pro next year.

And some see all the potential returning guards in Durham for the season after next as a possible deterrent to Harper. That said, his advanced playmaking abilities, smooth outside shot, and beyond-his-years confidence with the ball in his hands should equate to a starring role wherever he lands.

As things stand, Harper has five finalists in Duke, Auburn, Indiana, Kansas, and Rutgers. However, Branham suggested it might now be only a two-team battle:

"While he is down to five, Rutgers and Duke have been the two primary contenders battling things out at the top. Will he be a Blue Devil, a Scarlet Knight or something else? No one seems to know."

Some perceive Rutgers boasting the advantage stemming from a few factors. In addition to it being close to home, his brother, Ron Harper Jr., developed as a Scarlet Knight from a three-star recruit into an NBA player. Also, Dylan Harper's friend, Ace Bailey, the No. 2 prospect in the 2024 class, is already committed to Steve Pikiell.

Even so, most insiders haven't entirely counted out the Blue Devils yet. Head coach Jon Scheyer and his gang hosted him for an official visit in October. And they have sat courtside for a few of his team's games this week at Peach Jam, another sign they still view themselves as contenders.

Duke, Rutgers and Auburn among coaches in a packed gym to see ESPN 💯 no. 1 Dylan Harper go for 26p/11r/5a! NY Rens def. Brad Beal Elite 68-59 @NikeEYB pic.twitter.com/Tz6xF7y5JZ

— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) July 7, 2023

Harper, the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, is one of several undecided 2024 recruits remaining on Duke basketball's wishlist as the staff looks to add to its two-deep collection of commits in four-star small forward Darren Harris (ranks No. 66) and five-star small forward Isaiah Evans (No. 18).

RELATED: List of Every Recruit Holding a Blue Devil Offer

Of course, coming out on top in the Dylan Harper race — not to mention for Kokomo (Ind.) five-star center Flory Bidunga and his No. 4 overall composite ranking — would put the Blue Devils firmly in the running for the nation's top haul.

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