Former Duke Basketball Signee Now Visiting Nearby ACC School

Former Duke Basketball Signee Now Visiting Nearby ACC School

In a move that has sent ripples throughout the college basketball world, former Duke basketball signee Jayden Harris is now visiting NC State, one of Duke’s longtime ACC rivals. The 6-foot-5 combo guard from Charlotte, North Carolina, initially committed to Duke in 2024 as part of one of the nation’s top recruiting classes. However, following a coaching change and the recent influx of backcourt depth, Harris requested and was granted a release from his National Letter of Intent. Now, he’s exploring other options, and the Wolfpack are making a strong push.

A Promising Prospect

Jayden Harris isn’t just any former signee—he’s one of the most sought-after guards in the country. Ranked No. 28 nationally by 247Sports and No. 6 among combo guards, Harris turned heads during his senior year at Combine Academy, where he averaged 22.4 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game while shooting 38% from three.

What separates Harris from others in his class is his poise under pressure, elite court vision, and versatility. Capable of running the point or playing off the ball, Harris brings a level of maturity and polish that suggests he’ll make an immediate impact wherever he lands. For NC State, landing a player of his caliber would be a major win in both recruiting and optics.

The Duke Departure

Harris’s decision to leave Duke wasn’t made lightly. He cited changes in the coaching staff—most notably, the hiring of a new lead assistant and the uncertainty around Jon Scheyer’s long-term staff—as key factors in his reconsideration.

 

“Duke is an incredible program, and it was a dream to commit there,” Harris said in a statement. “But after discussions with my family and coaches, I felt like I needed to step back and reassess the best situation for me both on and off the court.”

The Blue Devils respected his decision, granting his release and wishing him well. While Harris’s departure stung, Duke’s backcourt remains deep, with returners and new signees vying for playing time.

NC State: A Natural Fit?

Harris’s visit to NC State makes sense on many levels. The proximity to home allows his family to stay closely involved, and the Wolfpack offer a more immediate pathway to playing time with less competition in the backcourt.

Head coach Kevin Keatts has built a reputation for developing guards and playing an up-tempo, guard-friendly system. His recent success with players like Terquavion Smith and Jarkel Joiner adds credibility to NC State’s pitch.

“Coach Keatts has been great during this process,” Harris said during his visit. “He’s been honest, and he sees me as someone who can come in, lead, and grow within the system. That means a lot.”

The Wolfpack rolled out the red carpet for Harris’s visit, which included a tour of the facilities, meetings with current players, and sitting courtside at a spring exhibition. Several NC State players, including rising junior point guard Breon Pass, took to social media to advocate for Harris to join the Pack.

What Other Schools Are in the Mix?

While NC State appears to be in the driver’s seat, Harris’s recruitment has reopened in full. According to sources close to his family, other ACC programs, including Virginia Tech, Miami, and Wake Forest, have all reached out. Outside the conference, Harris has received interest from schools like Illinois, Texas A&M, and Oregon.

However, there’s a growing sense that Harris wants to stay close to home and in the ACC, where he originally envisioned his college journey.

“He’s not just picking a team, he’s picking a culture, a development path, and a support system,” said Harris’s high school coach, Jeff McInnis. “And right now, NC State checks a lot of those boxes.”

The Recruiting Ripple Effect

If NC State lands Harris, it could shift the dynamics within the ACC. The Wolfpack, often overshadowed by in-state rivals Duke and UNC, would gain major momentum heading into the 2025 season.

“This is the kind of move that can spark a program,” said recruiting analyst Adam Finkelstein. “Harris is a difference-maker. He’s someone who not only helps you win games but also helps you attract future talent.”

For Duke, the optics of losing a top in-state recruit to a rival school—after already signing him—could add pressure to solidify relationships with future classes and ensure more continuity within the coaching staff.

What’s Next for Harris?

After his visit to NC State, Harris is expected to take one or two more visits before making his final decision. His camp has indicated that he wants to make a commitment before summer workouts begin so he can fully integrate into his new team.

“Jayden is about business,” said a family source. “He’s not dragging this out. He wants to be somewhere he can develop, compete, and win.”

Wherever he lands, Harris is expected to make a significant impact as a freshman. His scoring ability, leadership qualities, and basketball IQ have already drawn comparisons to current and former NBA guards.

The ACC’s New Era

Jayden Harris’s story is part of a larger narrative unfolding in the ACC. With NIL opportunities, coaching changes, and more fluid transfer and decommitment policies, player movement has become more strategic and nuanced than ever.

In this new era, relationships, development plans, and personal fit often matter as much—if not more—than brand names. Harris’s decision to reopen his recruitment reflects the changing nature of college basketball, where athletes are empowered to find the best situation for their long-term goals.

And in this case, NC State might just benefit from those shifting dynamics in a major way.

Final Thoughts

As Jayden Harris continues his journey, all eyes in the college basketball world are watching. Can NC State close the deal and land one of the top available prospects in the country? Or will another program swoop in late with a stronger pitch?

For now, the buzz is building in Raleigh. And if Harris ends up in red and white, the Wolfpack may have just scored the kind of coup that changes the trajectory of their program.

In the ever-evolving landscape of college basketball, stories like these are becoming the new normal—where a player’s destination isn’t just about tradition, but about trust, opportunity, and the right fit. And for Jayden Harris, the next chapter is just beginning.