Wake Forest Star Juke Harris Declares for NBA Draft

Sophomore guard also enters transfer portal, leaving Demon Deacons' future uncertain.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:37pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, geometric basketball court scene, with overlapping shapes and planes in shades of navy, green, and orange, conveying the disruption and uncertainty surrounding the loss of a key player.The departure of star guard Juke Harris leaves Wake Forest's basketball future in flux, as the program must now rebuild around new talent.Salisbury Today

Wake Forest sophomore guard Juke Harris, who had a breakout season and was named ACC Most Improved Player, has announced he will enter the NBA draft and the transfer portal, effectively ending his time as a Demon Deacon. Harris finished the year averaging 21.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, ranking among the ACC leaders in several statistical categories.

Why it matters

Harris' decision is a major blow to the Wake Forest basketball program, as he was one of the top players in the conference this past season. His departure, whether to the NBA or another college team, leaves a significant void in the Demon Deacons' lineup and raises questions about the team's outlook for the 2026-27 season.

The details

In his sophomore campaign, Harris moved into second place on Wake Forest's single-season scoring list with 750 points, passing a record that had stood since 1955. He scored 20+ points in 20 games and had three 30-point performances. Harris' decision to test the NBA waters is understandable given his success, but his simultaneous entry into the transfer portal means the Demon Deacons will likely lose him regardless of his professional outcome.

  • Juke Harris announced his decision on April 3, 2026.

The players

Juke Harris

A sophomore guard from Salisbury, North Carolina, who had a breakout season for Wake Forest, finishing third in the ACC in scoring, 12th in rebounding, and sixth in 3-pointers made.

Dickie Hemrick

A former Wake Forest player who held the school's single-season scoring record of 746 points, which Harris surpassed this past season.

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The takeaway

Harris' departure is a significant setback for the Wake Forest basketball program, as he was one of the top players in the ACC this past season. The Demon Deacons will need to quickly identify and develop new offensive threats to remain competitive in the conference next year.