Duke Sophomore’s Future Could Be in Question

On today's episode of the Duke Blue Devils Insider Podcast, we discussed this sophomore's struggles and what his future could potentially have in store.

Feb 10, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Darren Harris (8) dribbles the ball against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second half at Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Duke basketball sophomore wing Darren Harris came into Durham as a part of the Blue Devils' loaded No. 1 overall 2024 recruiting class. The group was headlined by stars such as Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Khaman Maluach, and Isaiah Evans.

As a result, Harris struggled to see the floor as a rookie coming out of Paul VI Catholic (VA). Across his freshman year at Duke, he averaged just 2.0 points in 6.0 minutes per game across 21 appearances.

Watch Today's Full Episode Below

However, with Jon Scheyer and his staff losing their entire 2024-25 starting five to the NBA Draft, it felt like there would be a spot for Harris in the rotation as a sophomore. Harris was actually the first Blue Devil to announce his return, as he said he planned to return to Durham shortly after the team's devastating loss to Houston in the Final Four.

Scheyer and Co. also cemented the No. 1 overall 2025 recruiting class, and it's proving to have a serious effect on Harris' playing time. Even with being an experienced sophomore, the 6'5",195-pound wing has still struggled to see the floor.

Jan 24, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Darren Harris (8) shoots a three-pointer during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images | Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

Darren Harris Still Struggling To Crack Rotation As Sophomore

Harris was put in a position to fill the role Evans played as a rookie, a 3-and-D wing. Harris was regarded as one of the best outside shooters in his class and can defend multiple positions on the floor at 6'5".

But more than halfway through the 2025-26 campaign, the Virginia native still hasn't seen consistent minutes. Since ACC play began, Harris has played double-digit minutes in two of the Blue Devils' first 12 league games and has gone scoreless in five of them while not eclipsing double-digit scoring in any conference game.

Jan 17, 2026; Stanford, California, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer reacts against the Stanford Cardinal in the first half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Through this point of his sophomore year, Harris is averaging 3.5 points in 10.0 minutes per game.

Oct 3, 2025; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Darren Harris (8) shoots the ball during the Countdown to Craziness at the Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

Future Could Be Bright for Darren Harris

Although he hasn't had the role he was likely hoping for as a sophomore, Harris has still already taken 18 more shots than he did all of his rookie season. Additionally, Scheyer will probably deal with the same roster turnover as he did a year ago.

There's a very real chance that the Blue Devils lose their entire starting five for a second season in a row, including wings such as Dame Sarr and Isaiah Evans.

Darren Harris staying ready. pic.twitter.com/LfDUG33Vhd

— Section 17 Media (@Section17Media) February 11, 2026

It hasn't been the most exciting two seasons in Durham for Harris, but if he elects to stick around, he could have his breakout season as a junior.

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