All-ACC Guard Juke Harris Announces Departure from Wake Forest

Harris declares for NBA Draft, enters name into transfer portal in devastating blow to Wake Forest program

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:04pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball player's movements broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, conveying the energy and uncertainty surrounding the loss of a key player.The departure of star player Juke Harris leaves Wake Forest's basketball program facing an uncertain future, as the team must now rebuild around new faces.Wake Forest Today

Wake Forest Men's Basketball has been dealt a heavy blow as All-ACC and ACC Most Improved Player Jayden "Juke" Harris announced his departure from the program. Harris will declare for the NBA Draft while also entering his name into the NCAA Transfer Portal, leaving the Demon Deacons with a major void to fill heading into next season.

Why it matters

Harris' departure is a significant loss for Wake Forest, as he was the team's leading scorer and one of the top players in the ACC last season. His potential to become an NBA Draft pick made him a valuable asset, and his decision to enter the transfer portal leaves the Demon Deacons scrambling to rebuild their roster for the upcoming campaign.

The details

In his Instagram statement, Harris said the decision to declare for the NBA Draft and enter the transfer portal was not an easy one, but it gives him the best opportunity to evaluate his professional future. The 6-foot-7 wing averaged 21.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game last season, shooting 44.4% from the field and 33.2% from three-point range.

  • On April 3, 2026, Harris announced his departure from Wake Forest via Instagram.

The players

Jayden "Juke" Harris

A 6-foot-7 wing who was named to the All-ACC team and won the ACC Most Improved Player award after a breakout season for Wake Forest, averaging 21.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.

Steve Forbes

The head coach of the Wake Forest men's basketball team, entering his seventh season at the helm of the program.

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What they’re saying

“After many discussions with my family, I have decided to declare for the NBA Draft, while also entering my name into the transfer portal.”

— Jayden "Juke" Harris

“This was not an easy decision, but this option gives me the best opportunity to evaluate my professional future.”

— Jayden "Juke" Harris

What’s next

Harris is expected to test the NBA Draft waters while maintaining the option to return to college. Meanwhile, Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes will need to work quickly to rebuild the roster and find replacements for Harris and other key departures.

The takeaway

The loss of Juke Harris is a devastating blow to the Wake Forest men's basketball program, as he was the team's leading scorer and one of the top players in the ACC. His decision to enter the NBA Draft and transfer portal leaves the Demon Deacons in a precarious position heading into the offseason, with head coach Steve Forbes facing the challenge of rebuilding the roster and finding a way to remain competitive in the ACC.