When it comes to the 2025-26 Duke Basketball team, all eyes are usually on Isaiah Evans, hailed as the squad’s sharpshooter—and for good reason. The guy’s scoring ability is nothing short of jaw-dropping, with some even calling him the best shooter in the nation. But here’s where it gets controversial: what if he’s not even the best shooter on his own team? Enter Darren Harris, the focus of the latest Duke Chronicle profile, who might just steal the spotlight this season.
Standing at 6-foot-5, Harris, like Evans, is a sophomore who saw limited action last year. But don’t let that fool you—his shooting form is a thing of beauty, and he’s poised to become a defensive nightmare. While he patiently waited his turn last season, reports suggest he’s now ready to make a major impact. With two such lethal shooters on the roster, Duke’s offense is shaping up to be nearly unstoppable.
According to the Chronicle, Harris’ game revolves around his prowess as a 3-point specialist. Though he struggled from deep in his limited minutes last year, his high school reputation as a top-tier shooter speaks volumes. His catch-and-shoot ability, in particular, is a sight to behold. Harris has a knack for getting open and launching from beyond the arc with lightning speed. Watch for him to position himself in the corner after an offensive rebound, ready to strike. Even in his brief appearances last season, Duke utilized off-ball curl screens to free him up for drives to the rim. His size allows him to finish through contact, and he’s equally dangerous pulling up from mid-range. Harris also proved to be a tenacious rebounder, especially on the offensive end, grabbing 8 of his 24 total rebounds last season in that role.
There’s something truly special about witnessing raw talent, like that of Cooper Flagg, Zion Williamson, or Jayson Tatum, light up Cameron Indoor Stadium. But this is the part most people miss: there’s a unique joy in watching players like Grayson Allen, Tre Jones, or now Darren Harris develop over multiple seasons. It’s a luxury to see their growth, and we’re on the edge of our seats to see what Harris can accomplish this year.
Here’s the thought-provoking question: Could Darren Harris surpass Isaiah Evans as Duke’s top shooter? Or is Evans’ reputation too strong to challenge? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from settled.
