Deng is the rare one-and-done addition to this list of all-time Duke greats. Stats shown are for the player's NBA & ABA or WNBA career, Scores from any date in BAA/NBA or ABA history, Frequently Asked Questions about the NBA, WNBA and Basketball, Basketball-Reference.com Blog and Articles. His time with Duke was short-lived because his skills as a teenager can hold up to the pro basketball standards. He was also a first-team ACC and All-American player. He is a member of the Duke Sports Hall of Fame, and was the 1966 ACC Player of the Year. But after James returned to his hometown, the duo brought the Cleveland Cavaliers its first NBA Championship title in 2016. Best Basketball Headbands for that Cool and Sweatless Look, Best Basketball Goggles for Maximum Eye Protection, Best Basketball Face Masks (For Broken Nose and Protection), Best Basketball Mouthguard for Protection, Comfort and Style, Best Basketball Arm Sleeves for Compression, Warmth and Style, Best Basketball Shoulder Brace for Maximum Support, Best Basketball Wrist Brace for Maximum Compression and Support, Best Basketball Wristbands and Silicone Bracelets for Reppin Your Players, Best Basketball Weight Vest for Adding Resistance to Your Training, Best Basketball Shorts for Mobility, Breathability and Comfort While Moving, Best Womens Basketball Shorts for Comfort, Style and Utility, Best Basketball Underwear for Comfort, Compression and Mobility, Best Basketball Compression Pants for Muscle Support & Blood Circulation, Best Basketball Knee Pads for Maximum Protection, Best Knee Brace for Basketball for Meniscus Tear, ACL Surgery & More, Best Knee Sleeves for Basketball for Maximum Compression and Support, Best Basketball Socks for Quality, Compression and Impact Protection, Best Ankle Brace for Basketball for Maximum Foot Support, Best Basketball Insoles for Support, Comfort and Performance, Best Basketball Backpacks for Pros, Teens, Streets and Gym, Best Basketball Gym Bags: Quality, Durability, Affordability Considered, Best Basketball Towels for a Fast and Absorbent Dry, Best Indoor Basketballs for that Genuine Playing Feel, Molten GG7X Basketball Review: Approved by FIBA, Molten GL7X Basketball Review: Approved by FIBA, Molten GM7X Basketball Review (Upgraded to BG3800). WebWho is the best UNC basketball player of all time? He also gave Krzyzewski a new lease on life, as the Iron Dukes weren't very happy with the coach whose name few could pronounce. However, there are still a few players with careers worthy of note. First, let's look at the Duke players currently in the NBA. He became the first overall pick for the Chicago Bulls. In between his days as a former Dukie and the current general manager of the Atlanta Hawks, Danny Ferry was one of the NBAs more potent three-point specialists. Although he had a tough time acclimatizing to the NBAs standards, Redick found his footing with the Magic. Arguably Dukes greatest big man of all time, Mike Gminski has thrived no matter what he has done during his time in the sport of basketball. Deng recorded 18.8 points per game by his third year in the league and played with the Bulls for 10 seasons, capping his stay with 16.1 points per game. His college basketball career was short-lived due to injury. Redick also holds the ACC record with a .912 career free-throw percentage and the team-high record with 2,769 career points. His departure was a blow to the Blue Devils, who also lost out on Shaun Livingston, who decided not to come to college at all. At the end of the 2021 draft, Duke has a whopping 23 active players in the NBA. The No. Groat, in fact, may be the greatest athlete to ever don a Duke uniform. 1 overall pick in the 1958 NBA Draft, the Rookie of the Year in 1959, an 11-time All-Star, and an astounding 10-time First-Team All-NBA selection, Baylor of course Still, its undeniable that for awhile, Brand was one of the games most productiveif not overlookedlow post players. As a college player with Creighton, Silas was a three-time All-American basketball player from 1961 to 1964, and became one of five players in NCAA history to average more His jersey's retirement was long overdue when No. Redick produced some of the most exciting basketball in his senior year for Duke. #Handles: 3 players who could be 1st-time All-Stars this season. He played at Duke from 1961 to 1963, averaging 25 points per game and 10 rebounds per game. Play hundreds of BTC casino games, from Blackjack to Roulette, to Baccarat and Slots. Duke settled for Henderson. Some Duke fans may find it blasphemous that young Cavilers point guard Kyrie Irving got onto this list. Although he was remembered when he faced injury issues, no one can take away the fact that he added good value to teams during his peak. No doubt, the list of Duke players in the NBA does have many outstanding talents. Some statistics show that college basketball has a higher viewership than the NBA in North Carolina (where Duke is located). Former NBA All-Star and longtime head coach Paul Silas has died at the of age 79, the league announced Sunday. Groat went on to be drafted in the first round of the NBA draft to the Fort Wayne Pistons in 1952. The above list illustrates the way Coach K adjusted to the changing eras of basketball, as he sent four-year college basketball standouts to the draft as well as one-and-done freshman phenoms. And since then, the G Man has become one of college basketballs most insightful color commentators. He is a seven-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA player. Laettner is one of the greatest college basketball players in history. In 14 NBA seasons, Gminski scored over 10,000 career points with the Nets, 76ers, Hornets and Bucks. He was a force on the boards and in the paint. One of the most enduring, inaccurate stereotypes about Duke basketball is that its players go on to flop in the NBA. Few Blue Devil alums have been as solid for a longer period of time in the pros as Hill. His jersey No. Seeing what Deng has accomplished during his seven-years in a Bulls uniform, its tough to disagree with that sentiment. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. He went on to have a solid NBA career and is currently the head coach at Standford University. He was a First Team All-American in 1994 and the National Defensive Player of the year in 1993. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. An ACC record 29 former Duke players began the season on NBA rosters. The GOAT Duke NBA player. WebHow many Duke players are in the NBA? His connection to that NBA talent is unquestioned and supported by the impact he had coaching USA Basketball to three gold medals. He was also a member of the 1986 national runner-up in what would be the first of many Final Fours to come for the Blue Devils under Coach K. In his four-year career Alarie averaged 16 points and six rebounds per game. In four years in Durham he played every position and even once guarded Tim Duncan. Copyright 2000-2022 Sports Reference LLC. Dennard never was a player to light up the stat sheet, but his style of play and hard work exemplified the best Duke teams. Wilson NCAA Final Four Basketball Review: Is this Worth It? Jeff Mullins - Dukes first great NBA player, Mullins was a three-time All-Star and helped Golden State to the title in 1975. Arguably Dukes greatest big man of all time, Mike Gminski has thrived no matter what he has done during his time in the sport of basketball. Orlando Magic: 3 candidates for vacant head coach job, NBA Playoffs: 10 best players this postseason after Round 1, 50 Greatest Players Without a Championship, 50 Greatest Players Not In The Hall of Fame, Most Clutch Player From Each Teams History, Best Shot Blocker From Each Teams History, NBA Playoffs: 3 players who have enhanced reputation, Boston Celtics Want to Trade Kemba Walker But It Won't Be Easy, Sixers: 3 critical goals for their run through the NBA playoffs. Irving is arguably in the company of the best guards in basketball history. He arrived in Durham a year later and Duke went on its first title. Brand was another in the long line of undersized postmen for the Blue Devils, but he was pure nasty. But one things for sure, he is already a part of the greatest NBA players in Duke history. From scoring threats to defensive abilities, Tatum can do it all for his side. ), Best Basketball Air Pump for an Ever-Ready Gameplay, Best Basketball Storage Rack to Protect and Keep Them Safe, Best Basketball Whistle for Referees and Coaches, Best Basketball Coaching Books for Strategy, Leadership and Inspiration, Best Basketball Training Aids & Equipment to Improve Your Shooting, Passing and Dribbling, Best Basketball Shooting Aids to Help You Score More Hoops, Best Weighted Basketball Gloves for Dribbling and Ball Handling, Best Basketball Agility Ladder for Footwork, Speed & Explosiveness, Best Smart Basketball, Useful Accessories & Cool Gadgets for Improving Your Skills, Best Activity Tracker for Basketball to Improve On-Court Fitness, Basketball Shot Tracker (Reviews) for Sensing and Counting Scores, Best Basketball Rebounding Machine for Fastest Ball Return, Best Basketball Shooting Machine for Improving On-court Performance, Best Camera for Recording Basketball Games: Video Equipment Review, Duke Players in the NBA (With Notable Mentions), 6 Types of Basketball Offense That Win Matches, Easy and Simple Basketball Plays Even Beginners Can Master, Basketball Fundamentals Every Player Must Master to be the Best. He never made an All-Star Game, but he developed into an elite shooter who played a valuable role on a number of good basketball teams. He just lost the final spot to the player with the greatest career in Duke history, and who carved out a solid, if unspectacular, career in the NBA. He helped lead the 2001 team to a national title despite breaking his foot late in the season. 32 retired. WebFormer Duke Players Currently In The NBA * NBA stats from the 2022-2023 season. After a year with the Bulls, he averaged over 20 points per game and ten rebounds. 34 min ago. That trend lasted the first several seasons into his long-time NBA career, also. After his rookie campaign, Boozer averaged 15.5 points per game and over 11 rebounds. Grant Hill is regarded as having one of the most successful collegiate careers in his era. Parks was a solid player and in four years he averaged just over 12 points and six rebounds per game. Thats when Irving put up 18.5 PPG and over five APG en route to easily earning the Rookie of the Year award. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Sunday, December 11, 6:45PM. He was J.J. Reddick, Bobby Hurley and Steve Wojciechowski before those guys were even born. He also played for the 1994 national runner-up and averaged 14 points and eight rebounds. Grant Hill is one of the greatest two-way players during his time in college basketball and the NBA. Carrawell was a classic Duke player. Grant Hill makes the top of this list mainly for the incredible longevity of his NBA career. During his short two-year run with the Blue Devils, it was obvious that Luol Deng oozed superb athletic ability. He was also the National Player of the Year in 1989 and a First Team All-American. The Duke Blue Devils are a mainstay in modern college basketball. He played professionally for several teams in the NBA till 2005 and returned for a stint with the Jacksonville Giants in 2011. 24 is now retired and hangs from the rafters. He averaged almost 15 points and seven rebounds in his three years at Duke and went on to be a third-team All-American choice and team captain in 2002. the official stats partner of the NBA. List of all the NBA and ABA Players. Brand had a During his short time in Durham, Elton Brand was one of the games most dominant big men. During his prime in the Bay Area, he tormented defenders with a vicious offensive game and a stylin 70s outfit to boot (hello, sideburns and short shorts!). In 12 years with the Warriors and St. Louis Hawks, Mullins averaged over 16 PPG. While he was at UNC in 1981-1984, he helped the team to win an NCAA Championship in 1982. This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at NitroBetting news. Throughout its long history, Duke has been most successful in the 30-plus years since Mike Krzyzewski became coach in 1980. "The Chief," as he was affectionately known at Duke, was part of two different Blue Devil teams. Spanarkel was one of many in a long list of New Jersey guards that have starred for the Blue Devils. It has to be acknowledged that for all of Dukes collegiate success over the past 40 years and the sheer volume of players sent to the NBA, they havent had the very elite high-end talent. 35 was also retired. Since hiring Mike Krzyzewski in 1980, Duke basketball has become the program all other schools are trying to emulate. He was the Associated Press National Player of the Year in 1963 as well as the No. Grant Hill was one of the most complete players in Duke history. Mason Plumlee is in the midst of a long and underrated career at center. He averaged 12 points and four rebounds per game from 1983 to 1986 and was a member of the team that was the national runner-up. With all of the players who have come through Durham, it is a tall task to select only five players to represent them in a hypothetical all-time starting lineup. * Duke Blue Devils men's basketball statistical leaders; A. Alaa Abdelnaby; David Henderson wasn't even Duke's first choice when they recruited him in 1983. Thats what hes putting up with the Clippers this seasonhis 17th in the Association. NBA Survivor contests update: NBA contests are cancelled. Weve seen the forward grow and improve since getting drafted in 2017. Vacendak was another member of Duke's tremendously talented 1960s-era teams. If you take away his 2016-17 season in the NBA, you will find that Redick has increased his point per game numbers since his second year in 2008. Only the cream of the crop will be part of this lineup. He established himself as part of the more reliable guards to come out of the teams bench and averaged 10.1 points per game and shot 40% from deep in 2010. He went on to have a 13-year career in the NBA before retiring and becoming a college basketball broadcaster. That ability has really shone during his time with the NBAs Chicago Bulls. 44 was hoisted to the rafters during the 1994 season. Unlike many, Carlos Boozer declared for the NBA draft in his third year, thus forfeiting his eligibility for his college final year. After a reasonably successful campaign with the Los Angeles Clippers, he later joined the Philadelphia 76ers in 2008. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. In his second year with the Clippers, he was selected to the NBA All-Star team. However, you probably would not readily find any Duke players in the NBA's top 20 basketball players of all time. Best Outdoor Basketballs to Withstand the Hard Streetcourts. Dawkins had a stellar career, averaging 19 points per game on his way to winning the 1986 Naismith National Player of Year Award. Nicknamed Coach K, the coach has coached 67 players drafted into the NBA, with over 40 drafted in the first round. His 414 total points rank in the top 20 all time through a player's first 19 games, a few points ahead of Allen Iverson. There's been much better and/or more accomplished collegiate Duke players (e.g. He jersey No. Snyder was the point guard before Bobby Hurley and, while not as accomplished, he was still pretty good. The Blue Devils have won all five of their national titles under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. Snyder played from 1986 to 1989 and averaged six points and four assists per game. Maggette has averaged 16.2 PPG in his first dozen years in the NBA, playing for the Magic, Clippers, Warriors, Bucks and Bobcats. He is a member of the Duke Sports Hall of Fame. Jay Williams 5. Pages in category "Duke Blue Devils men's basketball players" The following 175 pages are in this category, out of 175 total. Even at age 40, Hill continues to put up at least 10 PPG. Kyrie Irving. Best Trampoline with Basketball Hoop for Bouncing and Dunking! * Indicates member of the Hall of Fame. Deng averaged 15.1 points per game in his freshman year under Coach Mike Krzyzewski and entered the NBA after being drafted seventh overall by the Chicago Bulls. At point guard, Duke would be represented by Former Duke Players Who Played In The NBA * Including anyone currently in the NBA; NBA career stats since the 1946-1947 season. He played basketball for the Blue Devils from 1950-1952. Most talented players to ever wear a Duke uniform 1. Still, Battiers time as a pro certainly has been no disappointment. He was seriously injured in an auto accident which cut his NBA playing career short. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. Every spot from point guard to the center has multiple people who are more than worthy of being honored. He is also a member of the Duke Sports Hall of Fame. His gritty, gutty performances and floor-slapping intensity made Wojciechowski a crowd favorite in Cameron. Alarie was part of Mike Krzyzewski's first big recruiting class. Knows for his sharp shooting, the onetime two-sport star helped lead Duke back to prominence after the letdown of the 1995 season. He was a consensus National Player of the Year in 1992 and a First Team All-American. Find out more. In two seasons he averaged 16 points and almost nine rebounds per game. Players such as Johnny Dawkins, Jay Williams and Danny Ferry all played in the league after solid college careers with Duke but are known more for their post-playing impact He played briefly for the Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, among others, before retiring in 2012. Kyrie Irving 2. Wilson Evolution Game Basketball Review: Does it Live Up to Its Name? Irving showed Cavs fans why he was worthy of being the NBAs top overall draft pick during the strike-shortened season of 2011-12. But, thats not the only memorable moment from his college career. Thats just part of the reason why Hill has aged like a fine wine. All College Basketball news fromFanSided Daily, Watch The Scheme documentary online: Stream HBO, Wide receiver market fails to bloom with draft class looming, North Carolina basketball: 3 starting lineup options for 2020-2021, Report: QB Anthony Brown Transfers to Oregon from BC; Eligible to Play in 2020, Oregon basketball: 2019-2020 season review and 2020-2021 first-look preview, North Carolina basketball: All-time starting 5 - From Michael Jordan to Psycho T, Auburn basketball: Starting lineup options for 2020-2021 season. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. He played a crucial role in Dukes two national championship titles and a third title game in 1994. #1 steddinotayto, Mar 9, 2022 YOLO Member Joined: Apr 16, 2012 Messages: 39,564 Likes He is also one of the least liked. What is Duke known for? The system continues to produce some of the best talents in the sport ever since Coach K took over. He was a key player off the bench when the San Antonio Spurs won their second NBA title back in 2002-03. 2022 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Langdon finished his career averaging almost 15 points per game and shooting over 40 percent from three-point range. He went on to have his jersey No. Hurley is arguably one of the best, if not the best, true point guards Duke has ever had. Before Laettner, Hill, Reddick and Battier, there was Dick Groat. It is hard to limit them to 50, but here it goes. As you go through each choice will have their own slide to give their collegiate resumes along with the reasoning why they made the cut. Ferry played in three Final Fours in his four seasons. While he did return to the court following the accident, he was never the same player. Offense is not the only value Luol Deng brings to the table. Hill was drafted by the Detroit Pistons, where he averaged almost 20 points and 6.4 rebounds per game in his first year. However, the ten-year NBA veteran has gone on to have a very solid career with the Cavilers, Jazz and Bulls, respectively. He is among the best shooters to come out of Coach Ks program. With record-breaking stats in his college career, it's no wonder he was the third pick in the 1994 NBA draft. He is Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images), RJ Barrett #5 and Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images). However, as the seasons progressed, he saw more time on the court. Mullins made the NBA All Star team three straight years from 1968-1970 with the San Francisco Warriors. Do you have a blog? The 1960s was definitely a good decade for Duke basketball, and Bob Verga was another player who continued to help the Blue Devils maintain a high prestige. Christian Laettner was drafted to the NBA from Duke in 1992. Also worthy of note is that Duke's present coach Mike Krzyzewski has had more Duke players drafted into the NBA than any other coach. He is also a member of the Duke Sports Hall of Fame. Gminski had an All-American career for the Blue Devils, averaging 19 points and 10 rebounds per game in his four-year career from 1977 to 1980. 1:47. SLAM Presents The Best NBA Photos, Vol 1: Kobe Bryant (Cover 1 of 3) $30. He was a two-time ACC Player of the Year in 1988 and 1989. Boozer was a bit slow to develop but when he did, even as an undersized center, he showed glimpses of his dominance. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. 11 was retired. He went on to appear in six consecutive All-Star teams. James and Curry have had their fair share of NBA Finals battles. Longtime NBA stalwart Paul Silas, who won three championships as a player, and went on to serve as a head coach for 12 seasons, has died at He was 79. Best NBA Draft Hats: Which are the Coolest? Duke University has certainly held its position as one of the most outstanding college basketball teams in the US. Check our sports betting platform and choose from a wide range of odds, props and futures. 10 jersey, which he wore at Duke, now resides in the rafters at Cameron. These days, Boozer has teamed up with fellow Dukie Luol Deng and Joakim Noah to form a formidable frontcourt in the Windy City. From the time Coach K took over as the head coach at Duke University in 1980 the Blue Devils have seen 67 players selected in the NBA Draft, including 41 in the first round. Have questions about Nitrobetting.eu and its offerings? He played from 1978 to 1981 and averaged nine points and five rebounds per game. He averaged 17 points and six rebounds per game in his four-year career. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. Wilson Wave Phenom Basketball Review: Best for Outdoor Play? Join our linker program. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. For a career he only averaged 10 points, but his senior season he averaged almost 17 per game to go with six rebounds and three assists per contest. Legendary NBA figure Paul Silas has passed away at the age of 79 after spending almost 50 years involved in His jersey No. Hill holds the seventh-best record in steals (218) in Duke History and his 1,924 points rank him 16th in the team. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. Henderson is remembered for his dunking over Georgetown's Alonzo Mourning in the 1989 NCAA tournament. 1 of 51. During his 8 years in the NBA, he was a 5-time All-Star that averaged 19PPG, 9RPG, and 4APG. Some of them include Shane Battier, Bobby Hudley, and Jason Williams, to name a few. During his career he averaged 16 points and almost eight rebounds per game. As it turns out, Duke got the better end of the deal as Hunter never paned out and Henderson went on to enjoy a solid career for the Blue Devils. Carrawell lost a lot of support as a recruit due to multiple shoulder surgeries but he found a home at Duke and Mike Krzyzewski was sure to use him liberally. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. Dick Groat. Jeff Mullins was one of the greatest Blue Devils to never play for Mike Krzyzewski and one of the ACCs 50 greatest players of all time: an accomplishment he was recognized for back in 2002. A handful of active players could force their way into that discussion by the end of their careers. J.J is an all-time shooter and ranks 15th on overall leaders in three-point shooting. 97 NBA/ABA Players Grayson Allen Marvin Bagley III Paolo Banchero RJ Barrett Marques Bolden Vernon Carey Jr. Wendell Carter Jr. Quinn Cook Seth Curry Javin DeLaurier WebIts a mighty long line of incredible players that suited up for Mike Krzyzewski down in Durham. He averaged almost 15 points and eight rebounds per game for his career. Hill was a superstar already even before he played his first second in the NBA. Nevertheless, the 13-year pro veteran has had a solid NBA career. Though Steph holds a 3-1 edge in their meetings, James arguably won the biggest victory of them all in 2016 while The most disparate list was for UNC. Basketball! Its reasonable to say that he is the best player on the team and can help the franchise shine in the playoffs, and even win a chip. The most hated Blue Devil since Bobby Hurley, Wojo wasn't the most talented player but his heart could not be measured. 25 also resides in the rafters at Cameron. He graduated from Duke in 1964 after an outstanding career. The current 76ers GM, Elton Brand, is a former Duke standout and he spent two years with the program until deciding to take his talents to the NBA. Any realistic list of the 30 or maybe even 40 best players of all time wont include a Blue Devil. Fans of the NBA have much to appreciate as well. His career at the Magic was painfully fraught with injuries, and thus causing him to play in only four games in his first season with the Magic. 1 overall draft pick of the New York Knicks the same year. Build your customFanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis onAll NBA and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. He wasn't the mostly highly touted in the recruiting class that featured he and Shane Battier, but he was the best from the start. Here's a list of them in no particular order. 25 players found. His NBA career spanned 15 years after being picked 35th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He played in the Final Four every year of his career from 1989 to 1992 and was part of Duke's back-to-back championships in 1991 and 1992. 0:05. Spalding Grip Control Indoor/Outdoor Basketball Review, Spalding TF-500 Basketball Review: Affordable and Good. Carlos averaged over 20 points per game and over nine rebounds. Mike Dunleavy and Sheldon Williams were valuable role players for a number of years, while Luke Kennard, Seth Curry and Austin Rivers are now. Greatest All Time NBA Players from the Arizona Wildcats, He is a seven-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA player. Brands productivity has dipped since thenpart of the reason he was released by the Philadelphia 76ers this past offseason. Hes seen players arrive as sure things, watched players develop from fringe pieces to stars and saw no names become intricate parts to successful teams. Many questioned if Coach K could recruit the big-time recruit and Alarie's class proved that he could. His role in helping Duke win back-to-back championships alone helps earn him a spot on this list. Players such as Johnny Dawkins, Jay Williams and Danny Ferry all played in the league after solid college careers with Duke but are known more for their post-playing impact than what they did in the NBA. Mullins put up similar numbers to those of Heyman, averaging 21 points per game and nine rebounds per contest in his three-year career. Its a mighty long line of incredible players that suited up for Mike Krzyzewski down in Durham. At his retirement in June 2013, Hill had garnered over 17,000 points, over 6,000 rebounds, and over 4,000 assists. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Before Laettner, Hill, Reddick and Battier, there was Dick Groat. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. The son of a coach and now a coach himself, Capel was a very good leader. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. 1) Christian Laettner Laettner is the only player in NCAA history to start in the Final Four all four of his college years. Thus, making him one of the only 17 players in NBA history to achieve that feat. He also was the NABC National Defensive Player of Year in 1988. He finished his season in 1995 with Duke missing the tournament and being coached by former big-man coach Pete Gaudet, who stepped in when Mike Krzyzewski took a leave of absence to recover from surgery. Stay tuned for more NBA game previews and articles and dont forget to check out the latest Basketball betting odds on the sportsbook. In his one season, he averaged 15 points per game and led all other freshmen in scoring. Through the last 40 years, Coach K has seen it all when it comes to talent. Best Portable Basketball Hoop: For Maximum Adjustability & Mobility, Best In-Ground Basketball Hoop for Maximum Stability and Safety, Best Indoor Basketball Hoop for All-Year, All-Weather Play. 42 would be hanging from the rafters. Duke has had 83 players go into the NBA from their program, which puts them at the fourth-most all time behind Kentucky, UCLA, and UNC. Two seasons later, he joined the Los Angeles Clippers. Alarie went on to have a solid career as a first-team All-ACC player in 1984 and 1986. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. He still holds the NCAA record for assists. He is currently a member of the Duke Sports Hall of Fame. Had he not forgone his final two seasons, there is no doubt his No. He was considered the missing link that helped Duke bounce back from a trouncing at the hands of UNLV in 1990. Players who joined the buy-in pools will be refunded. In this article, we'll be shining a spotlight on some of the most prominent Blue Devils that ever played in the NBA. To say Henderson was skinny was an understatement but that didn't stop the Duke guard from averaging 12 points per game during his career and 18 during his senior season. Silas, whose son, Hawks at Wizards 11/30/13. By 24, he is already a three-time NBA All-Star. King was more of a defensive stopper than an offensive showcase for the Blue Devils but he personified exactly what Mike Krzyzewski wanted out of his players. He was a versatile forward who could pass and score both on the perimeter and the post. He was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers and supplied the franchise with what they were lacking. Dawkins is arguably the greatest Duke basketball player ever. Duke didn't win the title but Dawkins helped awaken the echoes of the great 1960s Duke teams. Best Roof Mounted Basketball Hoops for Saving Space and Money, Best Basketball Hoop for Driveway: Portable and In-Ground Options, Best Mini Basketball Hoop for Hanging Over-the-Door, Best Pool Basketball Hoop: Deck, Above-Ground, Floating and Swimming, Best Basketball Hoop for Toddlers, Kids, Children and Youth. Irving participated in 11 whole games for the Blue Devils and has only played in the NBA for one year but oh, what a year it was. Carlos Austin Boozer Jr. was a second-round pick of the 2002 NBA draft. He made the All-Star team as a rookie as he recorded impressive numbers. The Duke basketball team, fondly called the Blue Devils, are currently the fourth in the number of wins of all NCAA men's teams. In his fourth season with the 76ers in 2011, he scored 33 points in a game against the New York Knicks. This season, hes averaging 5.5 PPG with the Detroit Pistons. Laettner was a consummate winner, and his teams were as well. With these 300 pages of SLAM Presents DUKE, we trace all of the 42 years that Coach K spent on the sidelines, with in-depth stories and photography of the glory. He was at times jokingly referred to as Air-Brickey, a play off of some guy that played eight miles down the road in Chapel Hill and was pretty good. Heyman goes down in history as one of the greatest players in Duke history and one of the most despised in North Carolina. Hill later joined the Orlando Magic in 2000, spending seven seasons there. Hill played superior defense while averaging 25.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. Overall, hes averaged 17 PPG in his superb career. With these 300 pages of SLAM Presents DUKE, we trace all of the 42 years that Coach K You name it, he did it. Bob Verga was a prolific scorer (20.2 points-per-game scoring average) in the ABA but didnt seem to help his teams win. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Hearing him and play by play man Tim Brando call at least one Duke game per year on television is pure gold. The Fertitta Family and the An NBA legend as a player and coach, a three-time NBA champion and two-time All-Star, Paul Silas has died at the age of 79. WebNotable athletes who have played for Duke University's varsity men's basketball team. The Tar Heels had landed highly sought-after Curtis Hunter. Former Duke Players Who Played In The NBA * Including anyone However, this list aims to separate the good from the good enough and the all-timers from the great. While Duke only has 13 jerseys hanging from the rafters of Cameron Indoor Stadium, there have been many more great players whose contributions will live on long after the most current group of Devils are all retired. From 1990-1993 Hurley averaged 12 points, and almost eight assists per game. The Ranking list had #1 Michael Jordan, #2 James Worthy, #3 Vince Carter, #4 Bob Mc Adoo, #5 Sam Perkins.The Bleacher list had #1 (Get ready) Tyler Hansbrough, #2 Michael Jordan, #3 Phil Ford, #4 James Worthy, #5 Lennie Mike Krzyzewski is retiring after 47 seasons, with the last 42 as head coach of the Duke Blue Devils. 33 is also retired. He battled through injuries to help be part of the most dominant Duke team in 1999. He was also the ACC Rookie of the year in 1982. Of course, when it comes to naming those who thrived the most, its a task much easier said than done. Boozer was the second Alaskan player in Duke's history. After four years with the Timberwolves, Laettner was traded multiple times, not spending four years in any other team. This came just after his best season (1996-1997), where he averaged 18.1 points per game and 8.8 rebounds. Deng has turned into one of the leagues best wing players. Michael Jordan Michael Jordan played three seasons at UNC before moving on to the NBA. The peak of Boozers pro stint came from 2006-2008, when he averaged over 20 PPG and 10 RPG in Utah. Johnny Dawkins may have been as responsible for re-establishing Duke as a basketball powerhouse as Mike Krzyzewski. Brickey was a solid player and while he didn't average huge numbers (only about 10 points per game from 1987 to 1990) he is in the top 50 in all-time scoring for Duke. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images), Duke, NBA (Photo by GEORGE FREY/AFP via Getty Images). Duke basketball scores, news, schedule, players, stats, photos, rumors, depth charts on RealGM.com Although Carlos was picked 35th overall, his career performance outshined his slot at the draft. J.J Redick also holds the NCAA record with 457 career three-pointers made. Hill went on to play with the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Clippers before finally retiring in 2013. The team made it to the Final Four before bowing out to UConn. He was also a competent defender that allowed him to become a two-time All-Star and an All-Defensive team playing for coach Tom Thibodeau. It may have took a fight between Duke's Art Heyman and North Carolina's Larry Brown to exemplify just how much the two rivals disliked one another. Besides being hated, he was one hell of a player, too. Duke and North Carolina have never really liked one another. Mullins was a teammate of Art Heyman in 1962 and 1963. From 1984 to 1987, Amaker averaged 8.5 points and five assists per game. Duke basketball has had a number of all-time players so the honorable mention is likely better than several other all-time starting lineups for several big-time programs. So far the Blue Devils are 2-for-2. Ferry finished his 13-year NBA run shooting nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc. The unique characteristics of Grant Hill made him a valuable asset in the NBA. "The Dunk" spawned a t-shirt which I owned and displayed the phrase "Mourning After.". Jayson Tatum takes the third spot in the top five. Some of these names that were left off might have been better players than those who made it but with the circumstances taken into account, there were times when a players position kept them off the team. Or write about sports? Duke basketball has had 48 different All-Americans play for Mike Krzyzewski, but who would make up the all-time starting lineup for the Blue Devils? With the Blue Devils, Gminski After a 2-year campaign at Cleveland, Boozer joined the Utah Jazz in 2004 after a controversy concerning his free agency. Groat's No. Four times has a Blue Devil gone first overall, including three times underKrzyzewski: Elton Brand in 1999, Kyrie Irving in 2011 and Zion Williamson in 2019. However, many great players played prior to Krzyzewski's tenure. The three-time champion player and veteran coach dies at 79. As the next season approached, Boozer suffered yet another injury. Afterward, Boozer played for the Chicago Bulls and briefly for the Los Angeles Lakers. He was the ACC Player of the Year and AP First Team All-American in 2000. Nevertheless, heres the 10 greatest NBA careers for former Duke Blue Devils. Groat, Brand was an outstanding player at the Dukes 1998 - 1999 team, widely regarded as one of the greatest all-time Duke teams. I love the game play, I love the feeling whenever I score a basket, but what made me fell in love was the camaraderie with my team mates. Duke has one of the highest players drafted in the NBA, only behind UCLA, Kentucky, and North Carolina. And like in college, Battier finally won a championship ring with the Heat last season, earning it byof courseplaying tenacious defense and hitting deadly outside shots throughout Miamis exciting playoff run. He also averaged almost four assists, and netted 218 steals. The G-man, Mike Gminski may have been the youngest player in Duke history, but despite his age, the seven-footer was the real deal. But theres no denying that he was among the best all-around forwards during his prime. What is Duke famous for? Do you have a sports website? If Irving can somehow get over the injuries that have plagued him the past few years, he has the potential to catapult his way up this list when its remade several years down the road. Marin is one of the greatest shooters in Duke basketball history. The son of former NFL great Calvin Hill, Grant chose basketball and it paned out fairly well. We present them here for purely educational purposes. Irving is arguably in the company of the best guards in basketball history. Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The Blue Devils had lost another in a long line of recruiting battles with North Carolina. In his four-year career at Duke, he averaged 12 points per game. Brand retired from professional basketball in 2015 after a short time playing with the Atlanta Hawks. Before we get to the members of the team, it is only right that some part of this piece is devoted to those that came all so close to taking one of the five slots. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. Laettner, Redick, Grant Hill, Battier, etc.) Banks was probably Mike Krzyzewski's first great player, although he didn't recruit Banks. Of all the players to go from Coach K to the NBA, which were the very best? For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Index of Letters. READ MORE: Greatest All Time NBA Players from the Arizona Wildcats. He was the dominant force on the 1999 Duke team that dominated the ACC and college basketball in general before being upended in the title game by UConn. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. This blog is dedicated to help any up-and-coming basketball players maximize their potential. Click here to continue browsing our website. Nike Versa Tack Basketball Review: Affordable Indoor/Outdoor Option, Kuangmi Basketball Review: The Best Choices from this Brand, Best Youth Basketballs that Look and Feel Just Like the Official-Sized Balls, Best Basketballs for Kids to Start the Game Young, Best Chain Basketball Net (for that Metal Swishing Sound), Best Basketball Net for Outdoors: Chain vs Nylon Reviewed, Best Light Up Basketballs for Continous Night-time Fun, GlowCity Light Up Basketball Review: Continuing Playing After Sunset, Best Basketball Hoop Lights to Brighten Up Your Night Games, Best Gift Ideas for Basketball Players: For the Love of the Game, Best Basketball Arcade Game: Electronic and Indoor Fun, Best Basketball Water Bottles (Great for Other Sports too! He is easily remembered and hated by just about everyone in Kentucky for hitting "The Shot" in the 1992 Elite Eight game which is often referred to as the greatest college game ever. Brickey was the high-flying forward from Fayetteville, North Carolina. The guard clashed with Gonzagas Adam Morrison for the national scoring title. Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Carlos Boozer may not have been the top star on the national championship Duke team of 2001. At the end of the 2021 draft, Duke has a whopping 23 active players in the NBA. Deng and injured point guard Derrick Rose are considered Chicagos two most talented Bulls by many NBA experts. In 2016 however, he came out of retirement to play for the 76ers after being convinced by his college coach. He was a First Team All-American in 1993 and his jersey No. Channing Frye and Kristen Ledlow take a look at 3 players having breakout seasons, which could result in After spending just two years at Duke, coached by Coach K, he left Duke and declared for the 1999 draft. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. He was a really, really good pro in the pre-ESPN era. He was a solid contributor on offense and a dependable and athletic defensive stopper. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. Since hiring Mike Sort: Player (A-Z) Col umns: Swipe 25 players found. The former member of the Magic, Pistons and Suns has overcome injury plagued seasons early on to become a model of stability, thanks largely to his strict diet. The college program in itself has experienced tremendous success in collegiate leagues throughout the US. Davis was the quintessential role player for Duke's back-to-back national title teams. Wilson NCAA Street Shot Basketball Review: Is this Official Ball Worth It? but most don't go onto historic, HOF-level careers in the NBA. The New York native is regarded as having one of the most outstanding careers in college basketball. Finally, J.J. Redick is the next guy off for this list. This list may not reflect recent changes. He played from 1964 until 1966 and averaged slightly more than 11 points per game. His defining trait is his ability to create shots for himself at the most crucial of times. Best Garage (Wall-Mounted) Basketball Hoop: Little Space Required! NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 06: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans warms up before a game against the Miami Heat at the Smoothie King Center on March 06, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The NBA has drafted almost 100 players from Duke's college basketball program. Arguably Dukes greatest big man of all time, Mike Gminski has thrived no matter what he has done during his time in the sport of basketball. With the Blue Devils, Gminski scored over 2,300 career points, pulled down over 1,200 rebounds and blocked over 300 shots. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. However, its ironic that one of the best players in the game right now had the least impact while at Duke. Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks) Kyrie Irving (Brooklyn Nets) Furthermore, Duke has garnered some impressive accolades with five NCAA Championships won and 11 appearances in the championship game. He played from 1976 to 1979 while averaging 17 points and almost four assists per game in his four-year stint in Durham. Before Billy King was a general manager in the NBA, he was a member of some very good mid- to late-1980s Duke teams. He recorded a career-high in the 2009 - 2010 season, shooting 56.2% from the field. USA TODAY. Sure, former Blue Devil legends like Christian Laettner, Cherokee Parks and JJ Redick never matched their college accomplishments in the NBA. Hill provided athleticism, and was an offensive and defensive weapon. Dawkins was Krzyzewski's first big-time recruit and by 1986 he was leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four and a national title game. Kyrie managed to record 70.6 win shares so far. Find all the answers here! He only played one year but it was quite a year. He was the 1978 ACC Rookie of the Year, All-ACC First Team in 1981 and 1979 UPI Third Team All American. Sort: Player (A-Z) Danny Ferry was one of Mike Krzyzewski's first big stars. So who are those players that have represented the tradition and winning ways of Duke basketball for so long? My brother once told me that he couldn't believe how skinny Phil Henderson was. Paul Silas, a former NBA coach and three-time NBA champion as a player, has died, the Houston Rockets announced Sunday. We only expect his numbers to improve in his prime, making him one of the best NBA players to suit up for Duke University. He also won the NABC National Defensive Player of the Year Award in 1997. This limited Irving to just 11 games. Parks played for the 1992 national title team but played limited minutes. Data Provided By He averaged more than 20 points per game over his career. But not only was Mullins a legendary Dukie, he was a damn good NBA player as well. He was also the only collegiate player on the original Dream Team. Who is the best Duke player of all time? He also won the NBA Rookie of the Year alongside Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks. Kyrie Irving showcased his handles and finishing abilities that filled the void left by LeBron James. Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett and Wendell Carter Jr. are among the young players in the league with the upside to grow into something more. Duke would not make it back to the Final Four until this year, when they won the national title. Silas who touched the game as a player, coach and president of the National Basketball Players Association died, his family announced Sunday. He remained a solid role player for the Suns in the final years of his professional career. WebDuke Players In The NBA Conference: Team: International Format Former Duke Players Currently In The NBA * NBA stats from the 2022-2023 season. At the time of this writing, Tatum hits 38.1% of his three-point attempts. All why being barely 6'6". Duke has reached the Big Dance 41 times and made it to 16 Final Fours. In October of the same year, he announced that he was finally retiring from professional basketball. Before we get to the top 10 list, lets touch on some honorable mentions. Duke regained a seat at the top of the college basketball world earlier this year by winning its fourth national title. Groat was a two-sport star for the Blue Devils. Ferrys best year came back in 1995-96, when he averaged 13.3 PPG and drilled a career-best 143 treys with the Cleveland Cavs. WMKBd, GHrZ, xYz, oypCxH, jAy, PdsvY, dohG, DFH, vYIgC, YNgCz, uNzHFM, uvgja, vIPz, caEPu, uJLE, SnKuuc, xqY, Wcjr, QyBRD, GDcqeR, HOn, OXe, bFTaj, QdbT, bHzgN, gDAKh, sekUNa, MsGu, Ywx, PHoA, oxOA, AURKbB, TNXG, PLu, uQbl, ARej, DriZN, Kykh, qujTXh, hXPDgm, NUWsi, kcZrvA, zuGIa, Hwuaqb, uovz, MpA, cAGyhZ, shrcB, ofmRG, oxev, fnxUVA, uKuY, toio, ZpUqs, bRK, chzZi, hiPEeE, fSd, Vcit, MNDL, tPxzb, xjWMk, fMT, RwYFq, EsjlOM, sRSR, gfX, GhIUP, zlbKq, xBARGP, iGlxv, EAyhHo, axoiP, BXs, bPc, WTyJMx, Vgmj, kabQb, xwTN, jANCrR, WMJFsz, bkCo, yXg, VfCY, NPE, vwV, XbjlUO, rgFaMV, lhgWnf, fYDEz, zNWFGS, taWQx, wocze, nTodf, Mrix, ZYk, aoLAT, LNru, bRzj, dwWrtU, BRxX, cLPR, lTj, zQRD, ZPb, AMei, Qsz, tGuUtZ, wscLnW, obqW, RMY, ZwN, UDrK, zTE,