New Predictions See Longtime Duke Basketball Target Landing Elsewhere

Earlier this week, Don Bosco Prep (N.J.) combo guard Dylan Harper hinted at his close-at-hand announcement via a help-wanted post on Instagram asking for someone who knows "how to make commitment edits." So the five-star rising senior, who landed a Duke basketball offer one year ago, may reveal his decision at any time.

Will Harper, No. 1 overall on the 247Sports 2024 Composite, choose the Blue Devils?

Well, the race's first two Crystal Ball predictions appeared on Thursday. And both have the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper following the college path of his older brother, current Toronto Raptors two-way forward Ron Harper Jr., by committing to Rutgers.

Rutgers and Duke aren't the only finalists Dylan Harper named in January. The others are Auburn, Indiana, and Kansas. However, insiders have suggested for months that it's been a two-horse race between the Scarlet Knights and Blue Devils.

Meanwhile, all three Rivals FutureCast predictions, including a new one on Thursday, align with the 247Sports Crystal Ball. That said, Rivals' top national insider, Rob Cassidy, has not yet officially forecasted the Harper sweepstakes, explaining on Friday morning why he's not quite ready to do that yet:

"Every sign seems to point to Rutgers, but 'seems to' is the key phrase there. The last concrete thing I was told about the situation from people close to the process was, 'It'll be Rutgers if the NIL is right.' The nature of NIL, however, makes it difficult to figure out what that means or if that need has been satisfied. I'm not confident enough to put in an official pick, but I will say that I'd be moderately shocked if Harper spurns the Scarlet Knights and ends up elsewhere."

Additionally, recent comments from Harper's dad imply the family would prefer that he stay close to home by remaining in New Jersey to play for Rutgers.

Yes, it feels safe to say that the Duke basketball staff, at one time viewed as a clear frontrunner, is now a longshot for Dylan Harper, a crafty lefty with all the tools to play either backcourt position in college and potentially become a one-and-done lottery pick.

Dylan Harper Peach Jam Highlights 🍑

21.2 PPG | 5.7 RPG | 3.3 APG | 1.7 SPG

Currently ranked as the No. 1 player in his class by @247Sports & ESPN (@PaulBiancardi)

Harper announced in January his top 5 schools are:

▫️Duke
▫️Indiana
▫️Rutgers
▫️Kansas
▫️Auburn@dy1anharper… pic.twitter.com/LWnPD0XOSj
— Take Flight Hoops (@tfhlifestyle) July 17, 2023

The Blue Devils' July offer spree, including one to Long Island Lutheran (N.Y.) five-star 2024 shooting guard VJ Edgecombe, might be a sign that Jon Scheyer and his gang have all but thrown in the towel in the Harper battle.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke basketball recruiting news.