Duke Loses Former Gatorade Player of the Year to Indiana After Elite 8 Exit

Darren Harris, a 6-foot-5 guard, is leaving the Blue Devils after two seasons to join the Hoosiers.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, multi-perspective painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, breaking down the movements of a college basketball player into sharp, overlapping geometric planes of vibrant colors, capturing the intensity of the sport in an abstract, conceptual manner.A former top high school recruit seeks a fresh start at a new program, his dynamic movements on the court deconstructed into a cubist masterpiece.Durham Today

Darren Harris, a former Gatorade Player of the Year and 6-foot-5 guard, has entered the transfer portal and committed to Indiana after spending two seasons at Duke. Harris saw limited playing time with the Blue Devils, averaging just 3.3 points per game last season, and is now seeking a change of scenery to reach his full potential at the collegiate level.

Why it matters

The transfer of a former top high school recruit like Harris highlights the fluidity of the modern college basketball landscape, where players frequently seek new opportunities after failing to establish themselves at their initial schools. Harris' move to Indiana could provide him a chance to showcase his skills and potentially boost his professional prospects.

The details

Harris, a native of Herndon, Virginia, was a highly touted recruit coming out of St. Paul VI Catholic High School, where he averaged 17.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.9 steals per game as a senior. However, his playing time at Duke was limited, as he contributed only 2.0 points, 1.1 rebounds, 0.3 assists, and 0.1 steals per game in his freshman year and 3.3 points, 0.8 assists, 0.4 assists, and 0.3 steals per game last season.

  • Harris entered the transfer portal after Duke's crushing Elite 8 NCAA Tournament loss to UConn on April 6, 2026.
  • Harris committed to Indiana on Monday, April 15, 2026.

The players

Darren Harris

A 6-foot-5 guard and former Gatorade Player of the Year who spent two seasons at Duke before entering the transfer portal and committing to Indiana.

Jon Scheyer

The head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, under whom Harris played for two seasons.

Darian DeVries

The head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers, who will be welcoming Harris to the team for the 2026-27 season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Duke transfer Darren Harris has committed to Indiana, per his IG page.'”

— Jon Rothstein, CBS Sports Reporter

What’s next

Harris will join the Indiana Hoosiers for the 2026-27 season, where he will look to establish himself as a key contributor and potentially boost his professional prospects.

The takeaway

The transfer of a former top high school recruit like Darren Harris highlights the fluidity of the modern college basketball landscape, where players frequently seek new opportunities after failing to establish themselves at their initial schools. Harris' move to Indiana could provide him a chance to showcase his skills and potentially boost his professional prospects.