All-ACC Guard Juke Harris announces departure from Wake Forest

Harris declares for NBA Draft, enters name into transfer portal in devastating blow to Wake Forest program

Mar 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward Juke Harris (2) brings the ball up court against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Wake Forest Men's Basketball has been dealt a heavy blow in terms of setting up for next season, as All-ACC and ACC Most Improved Player Jayden "Juke" Harris announced his departure from the Wake Forest program via Instagram.

"After many discussions with my family, I have decided to declare for the NBA Draft, while also entering my name into the transfer portal," said Harris via Instagram statement.

Harris comes off a season in which he massively improved year-over-year. The 6-foot-7 wing averaged 21.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, while shooting 44.4% from the field and 33.2% from three.

"This was not an easy decision, but this option gives me the best opportunity to evaluate my professional future," said Harris.

Harris' potential to become an NBA Draft pick was well known throughout the College Basketball landscape during his breakout year, with mock drafts placing him in the late-first and early-second rounds. Harris is expected to test the NBA Draft waters while maintaining the option to return to college.

The added wrinkle, though, is the inclusion that Harris will enter his name into the NCAA Transfer Portal, essentially rendering his 20-point, 8-rebound performance against Illinois State in a loss at home as his last time wearing a Demon Deacon jersey.

What This Means For Wake Forest

Feb 11, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons head coach Steve Forbes on the sideline against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the first quarter at McCamish Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The loss of Harris is a huge blow to preparations for next season, as Wake Forest is already hurting after the departures of Sebastian Akins, Jaylen Cross, and Marqus Marion, who have announced their intentions to enter the transfer portal. It becomes a tall task to ask of Steve Forbes, who enters his seventh season at the helm of Wake Forest's Men's Basketball program next year.

Rumors suggest Forbes will enter next season with a below-par pool of resources, as teams across the ACC have hired new coaches and provided each with substantial NIL budgets in hopes of quick, successful turnarounds.

The likes of Gerry McNamara (Syracuse), Justin Gainey (NC State), and the impending hire of a new North Carolina head coach show a commitment to improving their programs in the new NIL and revenue-sharing era, threatening the rest of the schools in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Steve Forbes will hope to hit on multiple transfers this season, just as he has in the past, with the likes of former ACC Player of the Year Alondes Williams, All-ACC guards Tyree Appleby and Hunter Sallis, and current Los Angeles Lakers forward Jake LaRavia. Forbes has made magic out of a hat before, and after the loss of Harris, it appears like he will have to do so again.