Duke Basketball Recruit Rises to No. 1 in Ranking

Dylan Harper is Duke basketball's highest-ranked 2024 target and, according to some, top among his peers.
Duke Basketball Recruit Rises to No. 1 in Ranking
Duke Basketball Recruit Rises to No. 1 in Ranking /
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Duke basketball might have lost some steam in pursuing Don Bosco Prep (N.J.) combo guard Dylan Harper. Even so, one would think the Blue Devils should at least be hoping to remain in the race for the 6-foot-5, 180-pound five-star until its conclusion, which could arrive within the next few months.

RELATED: Duke Now Trailing Two Programs for Coveted Recruit?

After all, as of an update on Monday, On3 now ranks Harper at No. 1 in the 2024 class, leapfrogging a one-time Duke basketball target in Lake Highlands (Texas) five-star shooting guard Tre Johnson.

Following the unveiling of the new ranking, On3's Jamie Shaw explained the reasoning behind the confident lefty's ascension to the top, noting his impressive numbers for New York Renaissance in this spring's grassroots action:

"Dylan Harper's production comes from more than just scoring, which he does well...Currently, Harper places among the top 15 in Nike's EYBL circuit across the points, rebounds, and assists categories. His 18.9 points finished No. 9 on the circuit. His 7.1 rebounds were No. 12, and his 5.3 assists were No. 3. He also shot 50.4 percent from the field...His versatility to affect a game as a passer, a creator, and a scorer is unparalleled in this class."

Harper sat at No. 2 in each of On3's previous three updates. Despite his latest jump on that site, he's still below Johnson on the 247Sports 2024 Composite.

But perhaps that will soon change.

Dylan Harper, the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, is down to a handful of finalists: Duke, Auburn, Indiana, Kansas, and Rutgers. While the Blue Devils have hosted him for an official visit, some insiders now see Rutgers as the program to beat; his brother, Ron Harper Jr., recently starred for the Scarlet Knights.

RELATED: Duke Lands Official Visit from Giant 2024 Target

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country 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.