Darren Harris: Duke’s Sharpshooter Poised for a Sophomore Surge

In the ever-evolving landscape of college basketball, where one-and-done players and transfer portal moves dominate headlines, the story of Darren Harris offers a refreshing narrative of patience, resilience, and growth. As he prepares for his sophomore season with the Duke Blue Devils, Harris embodies the virtues of commitment and development, qualities that resonate deeply within the storied halls of Cameron Indoor Stadium.

A Promising Start Hampered by Injury

Darren Harris arrived at Duke as a heralded four-star recruit from Paul VI Catholic High School in Virginia, bringing with him a reputation as a lethal perimeter shooter. His high school accolades, including being named the 2023-24 Gatorade Virginia Player of the Year after averaging 17.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, set high expectations for his collegiate career.

However, his freshman season faced an early setback. In June 2024, Harris suffered a fracture in his non-shooting left hand, necessitating surgery at Duke Medical Center. Despite the injury, he remained engaged with the team, participating in workouts and drills as his recovery progressed.

Freshman Year: Learning and Growth

Harris’s freshman year statistics—2.0 points and 1.1 rebounds per game over 21 appearances—may not leap off the page, but they don’t capture the full picture of his development. Initially utilized sparingly, often in lopsided games, Harris embraced his role as a learner, absorbing the nuances of college basketball and the demands of Duke’s system.

Observers noted his evolution over the season. Early on, Harris was primarily a spot-up shooter. As the season progressed, he expanded his game, showing increased willingness to drive to the basket and a heightened commitment to defense. His improved versatility hinted at the potential for a more significant role in the future.

Commitment to the Blue Devils

In an era where players frequently transfer in search of immediate playing time, Harris’s decision to return to Duke for his sophomore season speaks volumes. On April 22, 2025, he officially announced his return, expressing his dedication to the program and his desire to contribute more substantially in the upcoming season.

This commitment aligns with head coach Jon Scheyer’s strategy of fostering internal development and continuity. Despite losing all five starters from the previous season’s Final Four team, Scheyer has emphasized building around returning players like Harris, Caleb Foster, Isaiah Evans, and others, rather than relying heavily on transfers.

A New Opportunity in 2025-26

The departure of key players, including Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel to the NBA, opens the door for Harris to assume a more prominent role. His shooting prowess, combined with his improved defensive skills and understanding of the game, positions him as a valuable asset in Duke’s rotation.

Moreover, the influx of talented freshmen, such as Cameron Boozer, Cayden Boozer, and Nikolas Khamenia, presents both competition and opportunity. Harris’s experience and familiarity with Scheyer’s system could provide a stabilizing presence amid the integration of new players.

The Road Ahead

As the 2025-26 season approaches, expectations for Harris are on the rise. His journey from a limited role in his freshman year to a potential key contributor exemplifies the value of perseverance and growth. For Duke, Harris represents the embodiment of a player who, through dedication and development, is poised to make a significant impact.

In the broader context of college basketball, Harris’s story serves as a testament to the enduring importance of commitment and the rewards of investing in one’s growth within a program. As he steps onto the court for his sophomore season, all eyes will be on Darren Harris, the sharpshooter ready to make his mark.

Blue Devil Nation Breathes Easier as Patrick Ngongba II and Maliq Brown Expected to Return as Transfer Portal Closes: Duke’s Roster Solidifies

As the dust settles on another frenzied offseason in college basketball, a collective sigh of relief has swept through Durham, North Carolina. With the NCAA transfer portal officially closed, Duke basketball fans—known affectionately as the Blue Devil Nation—are breathing a bit easier knowing that two key frontcourt players, Patrick Ngongba II and Maliq Brown, are expected to return to the program for the 2025-26 season. In an era where roster volatility has become the norm, retaining high-impact players like Ngongba and Brown is not just a stabilizing force—it’s a game-changer.

The timing couldn’t be more critical. Following the departure of stars like Jared McCain and Kyle Filipowski to the NBA, and with several other Blue Devils testing the transfer market, there was growing anxiety among fans and analysts about the future of Duke’s roster. Add in the exit of former five-star recruits and the uncertainty surrounding incoming freshmen, and the Blue Devils were at risk of entering the upcoming season with a dangerously thin core. But the news that Ngongba and Brown are staying put has shifted the narrative dramatically—from one of concern to cautious optimism.

Let’s begin with Patrick Ngongba II. A 6-foot-11 center and former five-star recruit, Ngongba entered Duke in the 2024 class with immense promise despite missing his final high school season due to a foot injury. His freshman campaign, while not statistically jaw-dropping, showcased the potential that had scouts so excited. Ngongba’s minutes were limited behind more experienced bigs, but he made his presence felt in key moments. In a Sweet Sixteen win during March Madness, he came off the bench and delivered 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist in just 12 minutes of action. That performance was not just a glimpse of what he could do—it was a statement that he’s ready for more responsibility.

Ngongba’s decision to remain with the Blue Devils is important for several reasons. First, he brings size and shot-blocking, two commodities that are hard to come by and even harder to replace in the modern game. Second, his ability to stretch the floor with a developing mid-range jumper gives Duke more offensive versatility. Finally, and perhaps most crucially, he represents a long-term investment. In a landscape where freshmen frequently bolt for the NBA after one year, Ngongba’s return offers the rare opportunity to develop a high-ceiling player within the system over multiple seasons.

Then there’s Maliq Brown, the 6-foot-9 power forward who transferred to Duke from Syracuse ahead of the 2024-25 season. Brown arrived in Durham already carrying a reputation as one of the best defenders in the ACC, having earned All-Defensive Team honors while with the Orange. During his time at Duke, he proved that his reputation was well earned. Whether it was locking down opposing forwards, grabbing critical rebounds, or making highlight-reel hustle plays, Brown brought a grit and tenacity that became a hallmark of Duke’s frontcourt.

Brown’s return is just as vital as Ngongba’s, albeit for slightly different reasons. While Ngongba represents potential and upside, Brown offers immediate impact and leadership. He’s a seasoned veteran with multiple years of collegiate experience, and his high basketball IQ allows him to adapt to different game situations. One of the most underappreciated aspects of Brown’s game is his ability to switch defensively across positions—a skill that allows Coach Jon Scheyer to get creative with defensive schemes. When you have a player who can guard both the post and perimeter effectively, you gain a strategic edge against nearly any opponent.

Together, Ngongba and Brown form a complementary frontcourt duo that could be one of the best in the ACC. Ngongba’s size and rim protection paired with Brown’s lateral quickness and defensive versatility create a balanced attack that can anchor Duke on both ends of the floor. This synergy will be especially important as Duke integrates new pieces, including the much-hyped Cameron and Cayden Boozer twins. While the Boozers will bring flair and excitement, they’ll need a stable, veteran backbone to guide them through the rigors of college basketball—a role perfectly suited for Ngongba and Brown.

From a broader perspective, the significance of these returns can’t be overstated. College basketball has entered an era of massive transition. With the transfer portal acting as a revolving door and NIL deals influencing player movement like never before, it’s become increasingly rare for programs to retain continuity from one season to the next. Teams that can successfully navigate this chaos are the ones best positioned to contend for championships. Duke, with the return of Ngongba and Brown, has done just that.

Moreover, their decision to return says a lot about the culture Coach Scheyer is cultivating in Durham. Scheyer has faced no shortage of pressure in succeeding legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, but retaining key contributors in such a turbulent environment speaks volumes about the trust and belief he’s built within the program. It also indicates that Duke remains a destination where elite players can thrive—not just in terms of exposure and development, but also in camaraderie and team ethos.

From a tactical standpoint, expect Duke’s offense to look a bit different next season. Without Filipowski’s all-around game, the Blue Devils may opt for a more traditional inside-out approach, using Ngongba as a low-post presence and Brown as a slasher and offensive rebounder. Defensively, their lineup is shaping up to be one of the most formidable in the country, especially if Ngongba continues to develop as a shot-blocker and Brown builds on his defensive resume.

The fanbase certainly seems to understand the magnitude of what these two players mean. Social media erupted with excitement as news of their return trickled out. Longtime fans, alumni, and even former players chimed in to express their gratitude and anticipation for the upcoming season. There’s a palpable sense that Duke isn’t just trying to reload—they’re trying to make a serious run.

Of course, expectations at Duke are always high. The program doesn’t just aim for NCAA tournament bids—it chases banners. With Ngongba and Brown anchoring the paint, a top-ranked recruiting class incoming, and Jon Scheyer continuing to prove himself as a top-tier coach, those expectations feel more realistic than ever. The return of two foundational bigs doesn’t guarantee success, but it gives the Blue Devils the kind of consistency and leadership that winning programs are built upon.

In conclusion, as the transfer portal closes and the offseason dust begins to settle, Duke finds itself in a stronger position than many had anticipated. The return of Patrick Ngongba II and Maliq Brown isn’t just good news—it’s program-defining. With their mix of talent, leadership, and commitment, these two players offer Duke the stability it desperately needed heading into a new season. Blue Devil Nation, rest easy: the frontcourt is in good hands.

Duke’s Jon Scheyer Receives Transfer Portal News Following Historic Season

Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer has been tremendously successful in his new job with the school.

Scheyer took over as Duke’s head coach in 2022 and has since guided the team to the Elite Eight and Final Four.

The Blue Devils just advanced to the Final Four, defeating Mount St. Mary’s, Baylor, Arizona, and Alabama in the NCAA Tournament.

They eventually fell to Houston in the Final Four, sending Scheyer back to the drawing board.

As the Blue Devils prepare for a big roster shift, they added players via the transfer portal.

On Sunday, Princeton transfer Jack Scott revealed his decision to attend Duke.

“Committed,” Scott said. “@DukeMBB Thank you to Coach Scheyer, Coach Schrage, and the whole Duke coaching team for the chance.”

committed. @DukeMBB

Thanks to Coach Scheyer, Coach Schrage, and the entire Duke coaching staff for this opportunity💙 pic.twitter.com/yQMMQHmgnA

— Jack Scott (@jackscott5x) May 12, 2025

Scott played three seasons for the Princeton Tigers, from 2022 to 2025. Last season at Princeton, Scott averaged 1.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game.

While he has not had a very productive college basketball career, he is an established player with NCAA Tournament experience.

Jon Scheyer is the Duke Blue Devils’ head coach. Bob Donnan/Imagn Images

Scott will seek to improve the lineup as Duke loses a lot of output from the 2024-25 college basketball season.

The Blue Devils’ 35-4 season, their first 35-win season in a decade and just the sixth time in school history that they won 35 or more games in a season, was headed by one of the top freshman classes in college basketball history.

Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach all made an impact as Blue Devils freshmen. Each player, who had initially committed to Duke as a five-star recruit, declared for the 2025 NBA Draft.

Maryland Basketball Recruiting: With no Duke knockout blow for Sebastian Wilkins, what happens to the top Terps target?

Maryland’s pursuit of four-star forward Sebastian Wilkins has taken an intriguing turn. Despite a recent official visit to Duke, where Wilkins shared positive impressions on social media, the Blue Devils have not secured his commitment, leaving the door open for other programs.

Wilkins, a standout at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, is currently ranked No. 35 nationally in the 2026 class and is considering reclassifying to 2025. He has been in frequent contact with several programs, including Alabama, Texas A&M, Seton Hall, West Virginia, Providence, and Rutgers. His recruitment remains open, with no definitive timeline for a decision.

For Maryland, securing Wilkins would be a significant boost, especially after the departure of head coach Kevin Willard to Villanova and the subsequent hiring of Buzz Williams from Texas A&M. The Terrapins have already landed a commitment from four-star forward Marcus Jackson, a Baltimore native, for the 2025 class. Adding Wilkins would further strengthen their frontcourt and signal a strong start for Williams’ tenure in College Park.

Wilkins’ decision will likely hinge on several factors, including potential playing time, program fit, and coaching stability. With Maryland’s recent coaching change, the program’s ability to present a compelling vision for Wilkins’ development and role will be crucial. As the recruitment unfolds, Maryland remains a contender, but must navigate a competitive landscape to secure Wilkins’ commitment.

Expert anticipates Duke basketball transfer commitment to choose the NBA path instead

The Duke basketball team may have placed itself at a disadvantage in the portal by recruiting Cedric Coward.

Given Cedric Coward’s clear rise in the eyes of NBA Draft analysts, it’s reasonable to wonder whether the Duke basketball program made a mistake in chasing the Washington State transfer forward in the first place.

Coward, a 6-foot-6 explosive wing who is ranked No. 13 overall in the 247Sports Transfer Rankings and committed to Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils in late April, is Duke’s only portal commit with the proven ability to contribute immediately in Durham if he withdraws his name as an early NBA Draft entrant by the May 28 deadline.

Furthermore, few transfers on Coward’s level are now available.

According to insider Zach Lowe on The Zach Lowe Show, Coward is expected to be selected in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft if he opts to withdraw from his Duke basketball commitment and remain in the draft.

“They’re all gonna be mad that I say the name because they all think they’re the only ones on it,” Lowe said about his recent talks with franchise decision-makers about Coward’s potential. “And they’re not…Cedric Coward, if all of these scouts are on him like this…I think he’s gonna be picked higher than [No. 29] just based on my conversations.”

Zach Lowe on Cedric Coward

(Via @ZachLowe_NBA’s podcast The Zach Lowe Show) pic.twitter.com/IjrQs9mmLm

— Duke Update (@UpdateDuke) May 9, 2025

As a senior last season, his first at Washington State after two seasons at Eastern Washington, he averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 blocks. Due to an injury, he was only able to make six appearances.

Sure, the anticipated Duke basketball lineup for 2025-26 features players with star potential, such as incoming five-star freshman big Cameron Boozer. However, as of yet, the collection lacks a single player who averaged more than seven points per game in college last season, which has raised serious concerns among national media outlets.

MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of SI’s Duke Blue Devils, North Carolina Tar Heels, and NC State Wolfpack, giving him a valuable source for in-depth coverage of these legendary college basketball schools. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been committed to delivering in-depth analysis, breaking news, and unique material for all three teams. He discusses everything from game predictions and recaps to player biographies and recruitment information. Matt’s extensive understanding of these teams has made his work a must-read for fans and watchers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he determines editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely content reaches his target audience.

Duke basketball fans react to the surprising transfer portal move

The Duke Blue Devils and head coach Jon Scheyer were one victory away from winning the national title last season. Unfortunately, they fell short against the Houston Cougars.

Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel were both anticipated to leave the program over the winter. That has become a reality, as both freshman standouts have declared for the 2025 NBA draft.

Scheyer wanted to recruit additional talent to the squad to keep Duke in the running for the 2025-26 collegiate basketball season. On Wednesday, he was able to add another potentially important component.

According to the Blue Devils’ official account on X, former Rice big man 24 has committed to Duke after entering the transfer portal.

One of the most pressing demands for the next season was increased size. The 6-foot-11, 240-pound physique that Ufochukwu brings to the floor is everything the Blue Devils could have hoped for.

Fans flocked to the comments section to respond to Duke’s fascinating transfer portal inclusion.

“The last time Duke got a Nigerian big man transfer from Rice, they won a national championship,” a supporter complained.

A second remark said, “Very great pickup. With Ngongba and Brown’s injury histories, another big was vital to have as backup. Not anticipating a lot of output, but it’s fantastic to have another big body on the squad. Now bring Coward back and go fetch another guard.”

“Former college teammate of Cam Sheffield & former AAU teammate of Caleb Foster,” a third remark read.

Another fan said, “Wow… Duke will be right back in the Final Four.”

Ufochukwu appeared in 16 games during the 2024-25 college basketball season at Rice, averaging 1.8 points and 0.6 rebounds in 3.3 minutes per game.