The Duke Blue Devils’ 2024–25 basketball campaign ended with heartbreak, but also promise for the future. After a dominant run that included their 23rd ACC Tournament title and a No. 1 overall seeding in the NCAA Tournament, the season took a sharp turn in the Final Four. Despite leading by 14 points with just eight minutes remaining, Duke saw their championship hopes dashed in a dramatic comeback by Houston.
Adding to the sting of defeat, the Blue Devils soon learned they would be losing key players to the NBA Draft. Standout freshman Cooper Flagg, sharpshooter Kon Knueppel, and veteran guard Tyrese Proctor all declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, leaving significant holes in Duke’s lineup.
But amidst the wave of departures, there’s a silver lining for head coach Jon Scheyer and the Duke faithful—former four-star recruit Darren Harris has decided to return for his sophomore season.
Harris, a member of Duke’s 2024 recruiting class, was a coveted prospect known for his shooting and basketball IQ. Despite limited action in his freshman year—averaging just six minutes per game across 21 appearances—Harris remains committed to his growth and development within the program.
“He’s been somebody that’s really dreamed about coming to Duke for some time,” Scheyer told Sports Illustrated’s Matt Giles back in 2023, a sentiment that now carries even more weight with Harris’s decision to stay.
While Harris’s impact on the court was limited this past season, his return could mark the beginning of a bigger role. With key players moving on, the stage is set for Harris to step up and showcase why he was such a prized recruit out of high school. His loyalty and work ethic may prove vital in helping the Blue Devils rebuild their roster and maintain their competitive edge heading into the 2025–26 season.
Duke now turns the page, looking to blend new talent with returning players like Harris to chase another deep tournament run. For a program with championship aspirations, keeping a promising player like Darren Harris in the fold is more than just a roster move—it’s a vote of confidence in the future.
