**Darren Harris Announces He Will Return to Duke for His Sophomore Season – 3 Major Reasons Why**
The Duke Blue Devils received a major boost for the 2024-25 season as sharpshooting freshman guard Darren Harris announced his decision to return for his sophomore year. The 6’6” wing, who showed flashes of his elite shooting ability in limited minutes last season, could be poised for a breakout year in a reshaped Duke roster. Harris, a former four-star recruit out of Paul VI Catholic High School in Virginia, was considered one of the best pure shooters in his class, and his return gives Coach Jon Scheyer another versatile offensive weapon as the Blue Devils look to make another deep NCAA Tournament run.
Harris’s decision to stay in college rather than test the professional waters—whether in the NBA or overseas—comes as a bit of a surprise given the modern trend of players seeking early exits. However, there are three key factors that likely influenced his choice: his desire to refine his game under Scheyer’s guidance, the opportunity to take on a larger role with several key departures from last year’s squad, and his belief that another year in college will better prepare him for the next level.
One of the biggest reasons Harris is returning is the chance to further develop under Coach Scheyer and Duke’s renowned player development system. As a freshman, Harris averaged just under 10 minutes per game, primarily serving as a spot-up shooter off the bench. While he shot a respectable 38% from three-point range, he struggled at times with consistency and adjusting to the speed of the college game. Another year in Duke’s program will allow him to refine his ball-handling, defensive positioning, and overall offensive versatility—areas that NBA scouts will want to see improvement in before considering him a legitimate draft prospect. Scheyer has a strong track record of developing guards, from Tyus Jones to Grayson Allen to last year’s star Jared McCain. If Harris can make a similar leap, he could position himself as a much more attractive pro prospect by 2025.
Another major factor in Harris’s return is the increased opportunity for playing time. Duke is losing several key contributors from last season, including McCain (NBA Draft), Jeremy Roach (transfer), and possibly Kyle Filipowski (if he stays in the draft). This opens up significant minutes on the wing and in the backcourt, giving Harris a real chance to carve out a larger role. Last season, he was often the fifth option in offensive sets, but with more playmaking responsibilities likely available, he could evolve into more than just a catch-and-shoot threat. If he can prove he can create his own shot, defend at a high level, and contribute as a secondary ball-handler, he could become one of Duke’s most important players.
Finally, Harris likely recognizes that another year in college could significantly boost his draft stock. While he has an NBA-caliber skill with his shooting, modern NBA teams demand more from wings than just perimeter shooting. Scouts will want to see improved athleticism, defensive versatility, and the ability to attack closeouts. By returning to Duke, Harris can showcase these improvements in a high-profile program where every game is under the microscope. The difference between being a late second-round pick (or going undrafted) and becoming a legitimate first-round prospect could come down to how much he develops this offseason. If he can increase his scoring output, maintain efficiency, and prove he can guard multiple positions, he could follow in the footsteps of other Duke wings who used a sophomore surge to elevate their stock.
Beyond the basketball reasons, there’s also the personal aspect of Harris’s decision. College basketball provides a unique experience—one that most players never get to relive once they turn pro. By returning, Harris gets another year to enjoy the camaraderie of a college team, play in front of the Cameron Crazies, and compete for a national championship. Duke is expected to be a preseason top-10 team, and Harris could be a critical piece in their title aspirations. The chance to leave a lasting legacy at one of the most storied programs in the sport is something that clearly weighed on him.
For Duke fans, Harris’s return is a welcome development. His shooting stroke is already among the best on the team, and with more minutes, he could become one of the ACC’s most dangerous perimeter threats. If he can expand his game beyond just shooting, he might even follow the path of previous Duke standouts who used their sophomore years to springboard into stardom. The pieces are in place for a breakout season—now it’s up to Harris to seize the opportunity.
In the end, Darren Harris’s decision to return to Duke is a calculated bet on himself. He believes that with another year of development, a bigger role, and the exposure that comes with playing for the Blue Devils, he can transform from a role player into a star. If everything falls into place, this could be the move that defines his career—both in college and beyond. For now, Duke fans can rejoice knowing that one of their most promising young talents is coming back, ready to prove he’s more than just a shooter. The kid can really light it up from deep—now, he’s got the chance to show he can do so much more.
