Blue Devil Country

Future Duke Basketball Sharpshooter Getting Disrespected in Rankings

Duke basketball commit Darren Harris doesn't need a five-star rating to keep doing what matters most: winning.

Matt Giles

Future Duke Basketball Sharpshooter Getting Disrespected in Rankings
Future Duke Basketball Sharpshooter Getting Disrespected in Rankings /
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Last month, Paul VI Catholic (Va.) wing Darren Harris led Team Takeover to the Peach Jam title. In the title bout in North Augusta, S.C., on arguably the biggest stage for prep hoops, the 2024 Duke basketball prize shot 5-for-7 beyond the arc, including a flurry early and a dagger late en route to his game-high 28 points and MVP accolade.

Despite his clutch long-range brilliance throughout this year's Nike EYBL action, which many at the time believed might equate to a fifth star by his name, Harris has not enjoyed a meteoric rise in the rankings.

Quite the opposite. The 6-foot-6, 195-pound four-star, widely considered one of the premier sharpshooters in his class yet perhaps lacking the same level of breakneck speed and explosiveness as some of his higher-ranked peers, has fallen 17 spots since June to No. 67 overall on the 247Sports 2024 Composite.

This week, On3 at least had the courtesy to move the future Blue Devil in the other direction in its 2024 update, albeit up only three spots to No. 54 overall.

Harris, the first of now-two pieces to the 2024 Duke basketball recruiting haul, responded to that news with the following it-is-what-it-is repost on X:

Before this summer, Darren Harris' place outside the top 50 was somewhat understandable, given the setback via an injury to his shooting hand in 2022.

But as he recently explained to Stock Risers' Jake Weingarten, his play in the past year, particularly the past few months, should leave no question about his will to win under the bright lights as a top-tier perimeter threat.

"I mean, I've won championships at the high school level," he noted. "I just won a Peach Jam championship and got MVP. I don't really know what there is to doubt. I'm my biggest critic, and never paid attention to doubters. But I hope the country is on notice now."

The other early 2024 Blue Devil pledge is North Meck (N.C.) five-star small forward Isaiah Evans, a 6-foot-6, 185-pound smooth bucket-getter currently sitting at No. 18 in On3's eyes, one notch higher than his composite ranking.

RELATED: Insider Flips Prediction for 2024 Duke Target Flory Bidunga

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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