Duke commit Darren Harris inspired by play of JJ Redick, Devin Booker (2024)

SPRINGFIELD – Darren Harris is confident in every decision he makes.

Every time he takes a 3-pointer, he believes it’s going in. During his college basketball recruitment, he knew he wanted to go to Duke, so when they offered him a scholarship in Feb. 2022, he verbally committed a few months later early in his junior year.

Harris, ranked as the No. 45 recruit in his class by ESPN, was the first player to commit to the Blue Devils in the Class of 2024.

Harris’ confidence with the ball in his hands and off the court has helped push his high school, St. Paul VI in Virginia, to the No. 3 ranking in ESPN’s national boys basketball team rankings.

His confidence has been an advantage for St. Paul VI, and he’s looking forward to having the same effect on the Blue Devils starting next year.

“Duke was a dream school of mine growing up,” Harris said. “When they pushed for me to commit early it was hard to turn down. I was one of the first players they really pursued in my class. It felt like the timing was right. I knew where I wanted to go and where I wanted to be.”

Despite losing to No. 5 ranked Christoher Columbus (FL), 70-61, on Monday at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts, Harris chipped in 16 points on 6-of-19 shooting for St. Paul VI.

Christopher Columbus’ lineup is headlined by brothers Cameron and Cayden Boozer, sons of former NBA player Carlos Boozer, and Jace and Jaxson Richardson, sons of former NBA player Jason Richardson.

“Their team defense is really good,” Harris said about Christopher Columbus. “They move as one and they are really connected on the defensive side of the floor. They made us work, especially me. I was exhausted by the end of the game. They’re really physical.”

The event in Springfield showcased a handful of Duke commits, including the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2024, Cooper Flagg.

Harris and St. Paul VI landed in Springfield the night before their game, so Harris didn’t have the opportunity to watch some of his future teammates play, but he was excited to have the ability to play in the showcase.

“This tournament is top-notch,” Harris said. “There’s a lot of good talent out here.”

Harris is teammates with fellow Duke commit, Pat Ngongba, the No. 19 recruit in the Class of 2024 according to ESPN.

When Harris became the first commit for Duke in the Class of 2024, he immediately got to work doing some additional recruiting for the Blue Devils. The senior regularly messaged other players whose play style he liked on social media, and even worked to get Ngongba to commit to the program.

“There are certain guys whose game I like,” Harris said. “Our class is talented and versatile on both ends of the floor. I have no complaints with the class coming in, but as far as being the first one, yeah I was doing some texting. … Especially with Pat who I saw every day. Playing together at the next level will be a great opportunity.”

Harris moves a lot without the ball, has a quick shot release and is lethal from beyond the arc.

The senior watches all levels of basketball constantly when he’s not playing. With so much time watching the game under his belt, he’s absorbed player traits from some of the game’s best guards.

“I watch a lot of Devin Booker,” Harris said. “Young Devin Booker in college, running off pin downs, mid range, elevating over everyone. Catch and shoot guys, Klay Thompson, JJ (Redick). I watch a lot of basketball, so it’s easy to add that into my game.”