Darren Harris is about to shine
Get ready for a breakout year from one of the best under the radar shooters in college basketball
I cannot wait to see Darren Harris take on a bigger role for Duke next season. This dude has star potential, and I have a feeling he's about to make a huge leap.
Darren came to Duke with serious credentials. At Paul VI Catholic High School, he was an absolute bucket. One of the best pure shooters in the country. He helped lead Paul VI to a powerhouse season, and what made it even cooler was that he did it alongside his future Duke teammate, Patrick Ngongba. Those two already have chemistry from their high school days, and now they’ll get to keep building that connection at Duke.
One of the best things about Darren’s game is how effortless he makes it look. His shot is textbook. Quick release, perfect form, deep range—he’s the kind of player who can completely shift a game’s momentum in a matter of minutes. You just get him a little bit of space and it’s three points, automatic. And he’s not just a standstill shooter either; he moves so well without the ball, constantly running off screens and finding his spots.
But it’s not just his game that makes Darren easy to root for—it’s the story behind how he got to Duke.
A four-star sharpshooter from Paul VI Catholic High School in Virginia, Darren grew up a die-hard Duke fan. During team media day, he shared a story that perfectly captured how much this program has always meant to him.
“It was K Academy—I was in fourth grade, I think,” Harris said. “My family snuck in because the door was open, and I took a picture standing right on the Coach K Court logo.”
That’s the kind of full-circle moment that gives you chills. Darren’s not just here to wear the jersey—he’s here because he’s always wanted to be part of the Brotherhood. And now that he’s earned that chance, you better believe he’s going to make the most of it.
You could see flashes of his potential this past season. Even when minutes were hard to come by on a loaded roster, Darren stayed ready. Every time he got an opportunity, he made smart plays, knocked down shots, and played within himself. He’s exactly the kind of player you win championships with—unselfish, skilled, and hungry to improve.
With more experience under his belt, a full offseason to develop, and a bigger role opening up, I think Darren Harris is going to explode onto the scene next year. He’s the type of shooter who can absolutely light up Cameron Indoor when he gets hot. I’m already picturing those moments where the crowd erupts after back-to-back threes—and Darren soaking it all in with that calm, collected swagger he’s always had.
I’m so pumped to see what he can do with a bigger opportunity. Darren Harris is a Blue Devil through and through, and next year is going to be his time to show the college basketball world just how special he is.
Go Duke 💙