In the ever-evolving world of college basketball recruiting, rankings play a significant role in shaping the expectations for incoming players. However, the 2025 rankings for two of Duke’s basketball signees have raised some eyebrows, as they appear to be lower than those found in other recruiting industry outlets.
Duke, under the leadership of head coach Jon Scheyer, has long been known for securing some of the best and brightest high school talent in the country. The Blue Devils’ 2025 recruiting class is no exception, with some highly-touted prospects committed to joining the program. However, recent updates to national rankings have placed two of Duke’s most highly anticipated recruits—Isaiah Evans and Darren Harris—at a slightly lower spot than expected.
Isaiah Evans, a 6’6″ guard from North Carolina, has been widely regarded as a versatile and dynamic scorer with the potential to make an immediate impact in college basketball. His ability to shoot from the perimeter, combined with his athleticism, has caught the attention of many scouts. However, the latest rankings place Evans outside of the top 10 nationally, whereas other recruiting services have kept him comfortably within the upper echelon of his class.
Darren Harris, a 6’5″ wing from Virginia, is another highly ranked prospect in Duke’s 2025 class. Known for his defensive prowess, Harris is also a talented scorer who can impact games on both ends of the floor. Like Evans, Harris’ ranking in the latest updates is lower than what many analysts had projected. While still ranked highly among his peers, some are surprised to see him outside of the top 15 in the national rankings, given his strong performances at high-profile events and his skill set that aligns well with Duke’s needs.
So why the discrepancy in rankings? While rankings are typically compiled using a combination of scouting reports, player performance in events like AAU tournaments, and evaluations by various recruiting experts, the process can be highly subjective. Different services might prioritize certain attributes over others, whether it’s scoring ability, defensive metrics, or overall potential. Furthermore, players can have standout performances in some areas of their game while leaving others to be developed further, and that can influence where they land in rankings.
Another factor could be the unpredictable nature of recruiting, where players develop at different paces or hit growth spurts later in their high school careers. Both Evans and Harris have already demonstrated elite skills, but as their senior seasons unfold, it’s possible that their rankings could shift.
It’s also important to consider the overall strength of Duke’s 2025 class, which remains one of the most impressive in the nation. Even though Evans and Harris may not be as high in the rankings as some of their peers, their fit within the system Scheyer is building in Durham is undeniable. Both players bring essential qualities that will contribute to Duke’s long-term success.
Despite the lower rankings, Duke fans can rest assured that Evans and Harris are still immensely talented and will be key contributors to the program’s future. With Scheyer continuing to build the Blue Devils into a powerhouse, these signees will have every opportunity to prove their worth once they arrive on campus. Ultimately, rankings are fluid, and the true measure of success will come on the court, where talent and hard work often lead to breakthroughs, regardless of where a player is ranked.
In conclusion, while the 2025 rankings may not be as high for Duke’s signees Evans and Harris compared to some industry outlets, it’s important to remember that rankings are not always definitive indicators of a player’s potential. With their skill sets and the development opportunities at Duke, both players have the chance to exceed expectations and prove their place among the best in college basketball.
