In the class of 2024, 6’6 Darrien Harris from Paul VI Catholic should certainly be a hot topic for many college programs. Coming off a title run with his team, Harris has proven to be one of the top shooters in the country but continues to add more to his game.
With his size, shooting, and upside, several schools are already targeting him, including two new offers from Maryland and Duke. He discusses it all with Phenom Hoops.
Phenom: How did your season go at Paul VI' How did it go in your eyes and what did you take away from it all'
Harris: I learned so much this year and got better as a player. I got a lot of defensive attention from teams, and I was learning how to figure that out. I became a better all-around player and learned how to be a part of something bigger than myself and win. We won’t a lot this year. I broke my hand right before the playoffs, so I really look forward to playing in the playoffs next year.
Phenom: What are you hoping to show more about your game this summer and who will you be playing with'
Harris: I’ll be playing with Takeover 17u. I hope to show that I can do more than just shoot. I show flashes of it right now, but I want to make it something that is consistent.
Phenom: How would you best describe your game today in your eyes'
Harris: I am a great shooter who has a good IQ and I make winning plays.
Phenom: Recruitment has gone well. Wanted to start with your thoughts on your latest offer from Maryland with the new staff. What are your thoughts on that program and what did the new staff have to say your way when they offered'
Harris: The new staff really made my family and I feel welcomed. We talked about how I started to love basketball and just my life in general. They talked about how they are trying to get Maryland back to a top program in the country. They also asked what type of style of basketball I like to play and how I’d fit in at Maryland. I really liked it. They also said I was the first recruit they have had on campus, which means a lot.
Phenom: Certainly speaks a lot. A big offer had to also have been from Duke. What were your thoughts on getting that offer and speaking to that staff' What did they have to say they liked about your game and who has been your main recruiter'
Harris: Getting an offer from Duke was special, they are a prestigious program. And the staff had come to a couple of my games. And we have a good relationship. They said they love the way I shoot but also the little things I do to impact winning. Coach Scheyer has been my main recruiter.
Phenom: You also have schools like Georgetown, George Mason, and a few others that have offered already. How consistent have you been in contact with them and has any of them been strong early on with you'
Harris: I got an offer from Georgetown the summer before 9th grade, and I’ve had a close relationship with them since then. On my visit, they showed me clips of how I’d be used in the offense and that really stood out to me.
Phenom: Have you been able to make any other visits'
Harris: I’ve visited Maryland, Duke, Georgetown, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh, Villanova, and Ohio State.
Phenom: Did any of those visits stand out early in your eyes' What were some of the things you were looking at early on'
Harris: I was just looking to see if I felt wanted. I want to go to a school where I’m comfortable with the coaches. SO just talking to all those coaches and getting to know them was great.
Phenom: Have any other schools been showing interest'
Harris: Really just the ones we’ve talked about.