Darren Harris is a hot commodity in the 2024 class, talks recruitment
Paul VI (VA) continues to produce top talent every year.
Recently you’ve had Trevor Keels, Jeremy Roach, Dug McDaniel, and the list goes on.
Now, Paul VI has a very talented small forward on the roster. His name is Darren Harris. The 6-foot-6, 195-pound wingman, continues to generate interest from some of the top schools in the nation. Best known for his shooting ability, Harris has proven himself to be a player who will ‘win at all cost’ which is an attractive attribute on the recruiting trail.
His knockdown shooting ability and his leadership values have ultimately landed him scholarship offers from schools like Duke, Georgetown, and George Mason. In addition, he’s drawing interest from plenty of high-level schools including Villanova and UConn.
Harris' basketball journey began when he was shadowing his father, who was a high school basketball coach. Harris said he practically grew up in the gym, saying he was around the game of basketball so much and it made him realize it’s what he wants to do.
We’ve also got some scoop from the man himself, who says he will be taking an unofficial visit to Ohio State on March 6th. He’s being recruited by Tony Skinn, formerly a Seton Hall assistant, who’s one of the best east coast recruiters in the country.
Harris caught up with Stockrisers.com to discuss his recruitment, his game, and that upcoming visit to Ohio State.
Which schools are heavily involved in your recruitment early?
“Duke, George Mason, Georgetown, Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Villanova, are the schools I’d say are most involved [early]”
Are any new schools showing interest?
“I mean coaches can’t text or call me directly until June, but, from what I’ve heard from my coach UConn has shown interest recently.”
Thoughts on your Duke offer and what you know about the school?
“It’s great to get an offer from a school like Duke. They have been talking to me a lot, so I expected an offer to come, but when Coach Scheyer officially said it, it was a great feeling. I know a lot about Duke, my teammate last year Trevor Keels plays there now, and Jeremy Roach who also went to Paul VI plays there now. I’ve been watching a lot of their games for a while now and it’s a great program.”
What was Coach Scheyer’s message to you, the pitch?
“He went to one of my games against DeMatha, and I didn’t really shoot or score the ball well that day, but I did all the little things and we ended up winning the game. He said he loved my game, my shooting ability, my size, and how I make a lot of winning plays. He talked about some of the shooters Duke has had in the past too.”
Now, Georgetown, what do you think about their program?
“I visited them in the fall and it was great, they’re a legendary program with a hall of fame Coach. And they’re close to home, which is their main pitch.”
Villanova?
“They’re a winning program, really well-coached. I also visited there in the fall and it was great, they like to shoot a lot of threes, which fits my style too.”
Speaking of your game, how would you break it down to someone?
“I would say I play the game the right way, I am a great shooter, but I will do anything the team needs to win.”
How did your basketball journey start and how did it progress?
“Growing up my dad was a high school coach, so I grew up in the gym, always around basketball. I loved it and knew that’s what I wanted to do when I grew up. So I just worked really hard, and still do.”
Any more visits left? And how have your recent visits been going?
“I’m visiting Ohio State on the 6th [of March]. And the last visits were great, being around college practices and games is always a great opportunity.”
And what do you know about Ohio State?
“I know they play in a great conference, and Coach Tony Skinn talks to me the most, and he’d say I’d be a great fit there.”
Which player do you emulate your game after?
“Klay Thompson, we are similar in size, and I study a lot of his off-ball movement, and reads off screens.”
How about the areas of your game you look to improve this summer?
“I look to improve my ball-handling and shot creation. I think that would make it a lot easier for me to score, also I want to improve my on-ball defense.”