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. Duke settled for Henderson. He was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers and supplied the franchise with what they were lacking. In 2016 however, he came out of retirement to play for the 76ers after being convinced by his college coach. That doesnt take away from Dukes accomplishments or Ks recruiting, its just a reality. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. Grant Hill was one of the most complete players in Duke history. Its a mighty long line of incredible players that suited up for Mike Krzyzewski down in Durham. The son of a coach and now a coach himself, Capel was a very good leader. Brand had a Michael Jordan Michael Jordan played three seasons at UNC before moving on to the NBA. His jersey No. WebHow many Duke players are in the NBA? 14 of his players have gone in the top three. He also won the NBA Rookie of the Year alongside Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. Vacendak was another member of Duke's tremendously talented 1960s-era teams. Boozer was a bit slow to develop but when he did, even as an undersized center, he showed glimpses of his dominance. Best Trampoline with Basketball Hoop for Bouncing and Dunking! 44 was hoisted to the rafters during the 1994 season. Langdon finished his career averaging almost 15 points per game and shooting over 40 percent from three-point range. He was J.J. Reddick, Bobby Hurley and Steve Wojciechowski before those guys were even born. 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. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. He still holds the NCAA record for assists. Christian Laettner was drafted to the NBA from Duke in 1992. In 14 NBA seasons, Gminski scored over 10,000 career points with the Nets, 76ers, Hornets and Bucks. From 1984 to 1987, Amaker averaged 8.5 points and five assists per game. Join our linker program. Carlos averaged over 20 points per game and over nine rebounds. Johnny Dawkins may have been as responsible for re-establishing Duke as a basketball powerhouse as Mike Krzyzewski. Mullins made the NBA All Star team three straight years from 1968-1970 with the San Francisco Warriors. There have been many Duke alums that have thrived in the Association. Best Garage (Wall-Mounted) Basketball Hoop: Little Space Required! In his second year with the Clippers, he was selected to the NBA All-Star team. Henderson is remembered for his dunking over Georgetown's Alonzo Mourning in the 1989 NCAA tournament. You name it, he did it. 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. Have questions about Nitrobetting.eu and its offerings? Weve seen the forward grow and improve since getting drafted in 2017. An ACC record 29 former Duke players began the season on NBA rosters. This season, hes averaging 5.5 PPG with the Detroit Pistons. First, let's look at the Duke players currently in the NBA. 2022 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Index of Letters. Channing Frye and Kristen Ledlow take a look at 3 players having breakout seasons, which could result in 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 Click here to continue browsing our website. Fifteen will now participate in the playoffs. He also was the NABC National Defensive Player of Year in 1988. Duke would not make it back to the Final Four until this year, when they won the national title. Duke didn't win the title but Dawkins helped awaken the echoes of the great 1960s Duke teams. However, he had a shaky start with Utah Jazz, suffering an injury midway into the 2005-2006 season. Deng and injured point guard Derrick Rose are considered Chicagos two most talented Bulls by many NBA experts. Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett and Wendell Carter Jr. are among the young players in the league with the upside to grow into something more. Grant Hill is one of the greatest two-way players during his time in college basketball and the NBA. However, this list aims to separate the good from the good enough and the all-timers from the great. 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. Some of them include Shane Battier, Bobby Hudley, and Jason Williams, to name a few. The Fertitta Family and the Some Duke fans may find it blasphemous that young Cavilers point guard Kyrie Irving got onto this list. Hawks at Wizards 11/30/13. 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 "We mourn the passing of former NBA All-Star Dawkins is arguably the greatest Duke basketball player ever. Basketball! 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. 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. Milwaukee Bucks: What happened to the offensive identity. He was the National Defensive Player of the Year in 1987 and is in the Duke Sports Hall of Fame. Here's a list of them in no particular order. While he would never light up the stat sheet, his presence was always felt on the court. Grant Hill 4. With a height of 6 ft 11, he was drafted third overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves. but most don't go onto historic, HOF-level careers in the NBA. Check our sports betting platform and choose from a wide range of odds, props and futures. 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. However, there are still a few players with careers worthy of note. Verga played from 1965 to 1967 and averaged 22 points and almost four rebounds per game for the Blue Devils. Laettner, Redick, Grant Hill, Battier, etc.) 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. List of all the NBA and ABA Players. Paul Silas, a former NBA coach and three-time NBA champion as a player, has died, the Houston Rockets announced Sunday. 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. 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. During his 8 years in the NBA, he was a 5-time All-Star that averaged 19PPG, 9RPG, and 4APG. He played from 1964 until 1966 and averaged slightly more than 11 points per game. He was also the National Player of the Year in 1989 and a First Team All-American. However, many great players played prior to Krzyzewski's tenure. He recorded a career-high in the 2009 - 2010 season, shooting 56.2% from the field. After spending just two years at Duke, coached by Coach K, he left Duke and declared for the 1999 draft. 1:47. This achievement was the most points he had ever made in a game in his career. Mike Krzyzewski is retiring after 47 seasons, with the last 42 as head coach of the Duke Blue Devils. His success in the NBA, however, was not quite as remarkable. Best NBA Draft Hats: Which are the Coolest? At the end of the 2021 draft, Duke has a whopping 23 active players in the NBA. Spalding Grip Control Indoor/Outdoor Basketball Review, Spalding TF-500 Basketball Review: Affordable and Good. With these 300 pages of SLAM Presents DUKE, we trace all of the 42 years that Coach K Alarie was part of Mike Krzyzewski's first big recruiting class. 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. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. Any realistic list of the 30 or maybe even 40 best players of all time wont include a Blue Devil. He was also a first-team ACC and All-American player. 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. 1 of 51. His playmaking abilities also add plenty of value to the Celtics lineup. All why being barely 6'6". 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. Stay tuned for more NBA game previews and articles and dont forget to check out the latest Basketball betting odds on the sportsbook. Duke and North Carolina have never really liked one another. Danny Ferry was one of Mike Krzyzewski's first big stars. 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. 34 min ago. 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. He went on to have a solid NBA career and is currently the head coach at Standford University. Hill played superior defense while averaging 25.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. 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. Hill went on to play with the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Clippers before finally retiring in 2013. 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. He was also the ACC Rookie of the year in 1982. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. Sort: Player (A-Z) Col umns: Swipe 25 players found. 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. He is a member of the Duke Sports Hall of Fame. These days, Boozer has teamed up with fellow Dukie Luol Deng and Joakim Noah to form a formidable frontcourt in the Windy City. 25 players found. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. He played from 1976 to 1979 while averaging 17 points and almost four assists per game in his four-year stint in Durham. Capel may best be known for hitting a long buzzer-beater to extend adouble-overtime thriller against North Carolina which Duke lost. #1 steddinotayto, Mar 9, 2022 YOLO Member Joined: Apr 16, 2012 Messages: 39,564 Likes Snyder was the point guard before Bobby Hurley and, while not as accomplished, he was still pretty good. He went on to appear in six consecutive All-Star teams. USA TODAY. 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!). He averaged 17 points and six rebounds per game in his four-year career. Before Laettner, Hill, Reddick and Battier, there was Dick Groat. 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. Marin is one of the greatest shooters in Duke basketball history. At the end of the 2021 draft, Duke has a whopping 23 active players in the NBA. Do you have a blog? He is currently a member of the Duke Sports Hall of Fame. His jersey No. J.J Redick also holds the NCAA record with 457 career three-pointers made. Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks) Kyrie Irving (Brooklyn Nets) After four years with the Timberwolves, Laettner was traded multiple times, not spending four years in any other team. Former Duke Players Who Played In The NBA * Including anyone Though Steph holds a 3-1 edge in their meetings, James arguably won the biggest victory of them all in 2016 while Overall, hes averaged 17 PPG in his superb career. 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. Brand was an outstanding player at the Dukes 1998 - 1999 team, widely regarded as one of the greatest all-time Duke teams. Carlos Boozer may not have been the top star on the national championship Duke team of 2001. READ MORE: Greatest All Time NBA Players from the Arizona Wildcats. Brand was another in the long line of undersized postmen for the Blue Devils, but he was pure nasty. He was seriously injured in an auto accident which cut his NBA playing career short. 24 is now retired and hangs from the rafters. Legendary NBA figure Paul Silas has passed away at the age of 79 after spending almost 50 years involved in No doubt, the list of Duke players in the NBA does have many outstanding talents. Mullins put up similar numbers to those of Heyman, averaging 21 points per game and nine rebounds per contest in his three-year career. The guard clashed with Gonzagas Adam Morrison for the national scoring title. He played briefly for the Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, among others, before retiring in 2012. After a reasonably successful campaign with the Los Angeles Clippers, he later joined the Philadelphia 76ers in 2008. Grant Hill is regarded as having one of the most successful collegiate careers in his era. The peak of Boozers pro stint came from 2006-2008, when he averaged over 20 PPG and 10 RPG in Utah. As the next season approached, Boozer suffered yet another injury. 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. 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. The NBA has drafted almost 100 players from Duke's college basketball program. 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. He went on to have a 13-year career in the NBA before retiring and becoming a college basketball broadcaster. Knows for his sharp shooting, the onetime two-sport star helped lead Duke back to prominence after the letdown of the 1995 season. Still, Battiers time as a pro certainly has been no disappointment. The Blue Devils have won all five of their national titles under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. We only expect his numbers to improve in his prime, making him one of the best NBA players to suit up for Duke University. 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). 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. He was the Associated Press National Player of the Year in 1963 as well as the No. What is Duke famous for? But, that didnt stop Irving from becoming the first overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft. 2022 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Who's your pick as the best Dukie to NBA player? We expect his trajectory to improve if he continues at this pace. Hill's professional career lasted 19 seasons, 6 of which he played with the Detroit Pistons. 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. Throughout its long history, Duke has been most successful in the 30-plus years since Mike Krzyzewski became coach in 1980. Grant Hill makes the top of this list mainly for the incredible longevity of his NBA career. The college program in itself has experienced tremendous success in collegiate leagues throughout the US. Irving is arguably in the company of the best guards in basketball history. Brand retired from professional basketball in 2015 after a short time playing with the Atlanta Hawks. Most talented players to ever wear a Duke uniform 1. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. Spanarkel was one of many in a long list of New Jersey guards that have starred for the Blue Devils. The No. 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. The Tar Heels had landed highly sought-after Curtis Hunter. My name is Joshua Bast and I have been playing basketball ever since I was 7 years old. 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. Few Blue Devil alums have been as solid for a longer period of time in the pros as Hill. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. 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. * Indicates member of the Hall of Fame. 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 record-breaking stats in his college career, it's no wonder he was the third pick in the 1994 NBA draft. "The Dunk" spawned a t-shirt which I owned and displayed the phrase "Mourning After.". In his fourth season with the 76ers in 2011, he scored 33 points in a game against the New York Knicks. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Build your customFanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis onAll NBA and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. He graduated from Duke in 1964 after an outstanding career. 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. The "Alaskan Assassin" is one of Duke's top 15 all-time leading scorers. 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 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. He arrived in Durham a year later and Duke went on its first title. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. 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. With several more talented players from high school teams opting for Duke, its evident that there would be more outstanding talent from Duke drafted to the NBA in the future. Of all the players to go from Coach K to the NBA, which were the very best? Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Sunday, December 11, 6:45PM. Alarie went on to have a solid career as a first-team All-ACC player in 1984 and 1986. 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. 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. Get and extra boost with our exclusive sports promos and Real Wager Bonuses. Before Billy King was a general manager in the NBA, he was a member of some very good mid- to late-1980s Duke teams. But one things for sure, he is already a part of the greatest NBA players in Duke history. Redick produced some of the most exciting basketball in his senior year for Duke. The most hated Blue Devil since Bobby Hurley, Wojo wasn't the most talented player but his heart could not be measured. He was the ACC Player of the Year and AP First Team All-American in 2000. 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. He went on to have his jersey No. Before we get to the top 10 list, lets touch on some honorable mentions. Besides being hated, he was one hell of a player, too. Jayson Tatum takes the third spot in the top five. He was a consensus National Player of the Year in 1992 and a First Team All-American. Or write about sports? 7X NBA All-Star (1995,1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2005), 4X NBA Second team (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000). However, you probably would not readily find any Duke players in the NBA's top 20 basketball players of all time. Only the cream of the crop will be part of this lineup. Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. There's been much better and/or more accomplished collegiate Duke players (e.g. Ferry played in three Final Fours in his four seasons. Amaker was a backcourt running mate with Johnny Dawkins on the team that finished as national runners-up in 1986. Dick Groat. During his 11-year career with the Grizzles, Rockets and Heat, Battier has averaged nearly 10 PPG, 5 RPG, 1 SPG and 1 BPG. 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. Duke has reached the Big Dance 41 times and made it to 16 Final Fours. His jersey's retirement was long overdue when No. Snyder played from 1986 to 1989 and averaged six points and four assists per game. Famous Duke basketball players who have gone onto illustrious NBA careers include: Kyrie Irving. Get real-time entries and racing rewards while you select from a wide variety of US and International racetracks. 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 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 42 would be hanging from the rafters. 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. SLAM Presents The Best NBA Photos, Vol 1: Kobe Bryant (Cover 1 of 3) $30. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. 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. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. Thus, making him one of the only 17 players in NBA history to achieve that feat. However, as the seasons progressed, he saw more time on the court. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images), Duke, NBA (Photo by GEORGE FREY/AFP via Getty Images). Mike Dunleavy and Sheldon Williams were valuable role players for a number of years, while Luke Kennard, Seth Curry and Austin Rivers are now. Davis was the quintessential role player for Duke's back-to-back national title teams. Below you will find a list of 10 players who were in the running to make the team but ultimately were left off. Carrawell was a classic Duke player. After a 2-year campaign at Cleveland, Boozer joined the Utah Jazz in 2004 after a controversy concerning his free agency. He was a force on the boards and in the paint. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. In his one season, he averaged 15 points per game and led all other freshmen in scoring. * Duke Blue Devils men's basketball statistical leaders; A. Alaa Abdelnaby; He battled through injuries to help be part of the most dominant Duke team in 1999. A. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar*, Ray Allen*, LaMarcus He jersey No. 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. Honorable Mention (alphabetical):Tommy Amaker,Shane Battier,Marvin Bagley III,R.J. Barrett,Elton Brand,Danny Ferry,Kyrie Irving,Jahlil Okafor,Jon Scheyer,Jay Williams. This came just after his best season (1996-1997), where he averaged 18.1 points per game and 8.8 rebounds. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. He is a seven-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA player. 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. Many questioned if Coach K could recruit the big-time recruit and Alarie's class proved that he could. From 1990-1993 Hurley averaged 12 points, and almost eight assists per game. Carlos Austin Boozer Jr. was a second-round pick of the 2002 NBA draft. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. Seeing what Deng has accomplished during his seven-years in a Bulls uniform, its tough to disagree with that sentiment. One of the most enduring, inaccurate stereotypes about Duke basketball is that its players go on to flop in the NBA. Kyrie Irving 2. the official stats partner of the NBA. He was considered the missing link that helped Duke bounce back from a trouncing at the hands of UNLV in 1990. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? Some statistics show that college basketball has a higher viewership than the NBA in North Carolina (where Duke is located). Although he had a tough time acclimatizing to the NBAs standards, Redick found his footing with the Magic. Groat, Hearing him and play by play man Tim Brando call at least one Duke game per year on television is pure gold. He was 79. Since hiring Mike Krzyzewski in 1980, Duke basketball has become the program all other schools are trying to emulate. However, its ironic that one of the best players in the game right now had the least impact while at Duke. Brands productivity has dipped since thenpart of the reason he was released by the Philadelphia 76ers this past offseason. Hill provided athleticism, and was an offensive and defensive weapon. He also played more than 10 years in Major League Baseball, and was the 1962 National League Most Valuable Player as well as a five-time All Star. He was a First Team All-American in 1993 and his jersey No. Afterward, Boozer played for the Chicago Bulls and briefly for the Los Angeles Lakers. Play hundreds of BTC casino games, from Blackjack to Roulette, to Baccarat and Slots. My brother once told me that he couldn't believe how skinny Phil Henderson was. Parks played for the 1992 national title team but played limited minutes. Former Duke Players Who Played In The NBA * Including anyone currently in the NBA; NBA career stats since the 1946-1947 season. When he arrived, Duke was the king of the college basketball world, and when he left Duke was undergoing a major change by missing the tournament and taking a mid-'90s slide. A handful of active players could force their way into that discussion by the end of their careers. Since hiring Mike He only averaged four-and-a-half points per game over his four-year career from 1985 to 1988. Greatest All Time NBA Players from the Arizona Wildcats, He is a seven-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA player. With the Blue Devils, Gminski The most disparate list was for UNC. He is also a member of the Duke Sports Hall of Fame. His defining trait is his ability to create shots for himself at the most crucial of times. He remained a solid role player for the Suns in the final years of his professional career. What derailed Grant HIlls NBA career was his injuries, which displayed a major decline in his mid to late 30s. Players who joined the buy-in pools will be refunded. Dennard never was a player to light up the stat sheet, but his style of play and hard work exemplified the best Duke teams. In two seasons he averaged 16 points and almost nine rebounds per game. But theres no denying that he was among the best all-around forwards during his prime. Laettner is one of the greatest college basketball players in history. He is Copyright 2000-2022 Sports Reference LLC. Thats what hes putting up with the Clippers this seasonhis 17th in the Association. But after James returned to his hometown, the duo brought the Cleveland Cavaliers its first NBA Championship title in 2016. Before Laettner, Hill, Reddick and Battier, there was Dick Groat. He also won the NABC National Defensive Player of the Year Award in 1997. 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. He played at Duke from 1961 to 1963, averaging 25 points per game and 10 rebounds per game. Data Provided By The highlight of his career might have been playing in three Final Fours and the first two of Krzyzewski's impressive five straight Final Fours from 1988 to 1992. Who is the best Duke player of all time? 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. Find all the answers here! He averaged more than 20 points per game over his career. Laettner was a consummate winner, and his teams were as well. He averaged 10 points per game his senior year and was a senior captain on Mike Krzyzewski's second Blue Devil squad. But not only was Mullins a legendary Dukie, he was a damn good NBA player as well. He also averaged almost four assists, and netted 218 steals. At his retirement in June 2013, Hill had garnered over 17,000 points, over 6,000 rebounds, and over 4,000 assists. 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. Active players are listed in bold. He finally retired in 2017 after playing internationally for Guangdong Southern Tigers in China for over a year. Had he not forgone his final two seasons, there is no doubt his No. WebIts a mighty long line of incredible players that suited up for Mike Krzyzewski down in Durham. 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. He is also a member of the Duke Sports Hall of Fame. And since then, the G Man has become one of college basketballs most insightful color commentators. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. Through the last 40 years, Coach K has seen it all when it comes to talent. Kyrie Irving. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. 0:05. Copyright 2022 Iron City Showdown, all rights reserved. He became the first overall pick for the Chicago Bulls. He averaged 15 points and seven rebounds per game over his career. Deng is the rare one-and-done addition to this list of all-time Duke greats. He was a versatile forward who could pass and score both on the perimeter and the post. Wilson Wave Phenom Basketball Review: Best for Outdoor Play? His jersey No. WebDuke Players In The NBA Conference: Team: International Format Former Duke Players Currently In The NBA * NBA stats from the 2022-2023 season. A plethora of talent traverses to top-level basketball and Nitrobetting shares a list of the five greatest NBA players from Duke. This blog is dedicated to help any up-and-coming basketball players maximize their potential. 54 Inch Portable Basketball Hoop Reviews: Best Options & Buying Guide, 10 Foot Basketball Hoop Reviews: Best Options and Buying Guide, Best Collapsible Basketball Hoop (Foldable Shooting Rim), Best Tempered Glass Basketball Hoop for That Arena Rebound Effect, Best Backyard Basketball Hoop for Shooting Goals at Home, Best NBA Champions Hat to Add to Your Collection (with a Story to Tell). 10 jersey, which he wore at Duke, now resides in the rafters at Cameron. He was a key player off the bench when the San Antonio Spurs won their second NBA title back in 2002-03. 1) Christian Laettner Laettner is the only player in NCAA history to start in the Final Four all four of his college years. He was a two-time ACC Player of the Year in 1988 and 1989. His NBA career spanned 15 years after being picked 35th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. WebWho is the best UNC basketball player of all time? Groat's No. He played professionally for several teams in the NBA till 2005 and returned for a stint with the Jacksonville Giants in 2011. Hill later joined the Orlando Magic in 2000, spending seven seasons there. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. Before his injury, he only averaged 17 points per game with nine rebounds. He played a crucial role in Dukes two national championship titles and a third title game in 1994. After his draft into the NBA in 1992, he made the All-Rookie First Team in 1993. In four years in Durham he played every position and even once guarded Tim Duncan. 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. 1 overall draft pick of the New York Knicks the same year. Even at age 40, Hill continues to put up at least 10 PPG. Jayson Tatum 3. In October of the same year, he announced that he was finally retiring from professional basketball. In this article, we'll be shining a spotlight on some of the most prominent Blue Devils that ever played in the NBA. His college basketball career was short-lived due to injury. Wilson Evolution Game Basketball Review: Does it Live Up to Its Name? He was a really, really good pro in the pre-ESPN era. He is also one of the least liked. He made the All-Star team as a rookie as he recorded impressive numbers. Here's a list of them in no particular order. So far the Blue Devils are 2-for-2. What is Duke known for? Mullins was a teammate of Art Heyman in 1962 and 1963. NFL Survivor W14 notice: Due to technical error in our Nitro Games, players who are still alive in W14 in NFL contests will have a bye week and move on to W15. 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. His gritty, gutty performances and floor-slapping intensity made Wojciechowski a crowd favorite in Cameron. 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. Spanarkel was a first-team All-ACC in 1978 and 1979 as well as a UPI First Team All-American in 1979. After a year with the Bulls, he averaged over 20 points per game and ten rebounds. 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. He played from 1978 to 1981 and averaged nine points and five rebounds per game. But he was generally a solid player, if not the best player on the team during some lean years in the mid-1990s. 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. Sort: Player (A-Z) The Blue Devils are one of the most celebrated and winningest basketball teams in the countrythey have won five national championships and appeared in 11 championship games. 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. 25 also resides in the rafters at Cameron. He also played for the 1994 national runner-up and averaged 14 points and eight rebounds. 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. Hill was drafted by the Detroit Pistons, where he averaged almost 20 points and 6.4 rebounds per game in his first year. Sure, former Blue Devil legends like Christian Laettner, Cherokee Parks and JJ Redick never matched their college accomplishments in the NBA. Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. But, thats not the only memorable moment from his college career. 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. While he was at UNC in 1981-1984, he helped the team to win an NCAA Championship in 1982. His role in helping Duke win back-to-back championships alone helps earn him a spot on this list. James and Curry have had their fair share of NBA Finals battles. This limited Irving to just 11 games. Heyman goes down in history as one of the greatest players in Duke history and one of the most despised in North Carolina. Banks was probably Mike Krzyzewski's first great player, although he didn't recruit Banks. During his short time in Durham, Elton Brand was one of the games most dominant big men. 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. 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. Put your skills to test and win additional cash prizes with our exclusive Nitrobetting.eu Games. 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. 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. Furthermore, Duke has garnered some impressive accolades with five NCAA Championships won and 11 appearances in the championship game. ), 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. Pages in category "Duke Blue Devils men's basketball players" The following 175 pages are in this category, out of 175 total. Groat was a two-sport star for the Blue Devils. 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. Wilson NCAA Final Four Basketball Review: Is this Worth It? During his career he averaged 16 points and almost eight rebounds per game. Yet that team, as talented as they were, couldn't win the big one against a very skilled and game UConn team in the title game. The Blue Devils had lost another in a long line of recruiting battles with North Carolina. However, the ten-year NBA veteran has gone on to have a very solid career with the Cavilers, Jazz and Bulls, respectively. That ability has really shone during his time with the NBAs Chicago Bulls. Mason Plumlee is in the midst of a long and underrated career at center. He is a member of the Duke Sports Hall of Fame, and was the 1966 ACC Player of the Year. He was a solid contributor on offense and a dependable and athletic defensive stopper. Irving showed Cavs fans why he was worthy of being the NBAs top overall draft pick during the strike-shortened season of 2011-12. Still, its undeniable that for awhile, Brand was one of the games most productiveif not overlookedlow post players. Former NBA All-Star and longtime head coach Paul Silas has died at the of age 79, the league announced Sunday. 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. His time with Duke was short-lived because his skills as a teenager can hold up to the pro basketball standards. The New York native is regarded as having one of the most outstanding careers in college basketball. Nevertheless, the 13-year pro veteran has had a solid NBA career. He was the 1978 ACC Rookie of the Year, All-ACC First Team in 1981 and 1979 UPI Third Team All American. Thats when Irving put up 18.5 PPG and over five APG en route to easily earning the Rookie of the Year award. By 24, he is already a three-time NBA All-Star. Banks played on Krzyzewski's first team in 1980 and went on to average almost 17 points and eight rebounds per game. #Handles: 3 players who could be 1st-time All-Stars this season. Groat, in fact, may be the greatest athlete to ever don a Duke uniform. He was a First Team All-American in 1994 and the National Defensive Player of the year in 1993. That trend lasted the first several seasons into his long-time NBA career, also. Corey Maggette was basically at Duke long enough (one season) for just a cup of coffee. At the time of this writing, Tatum hits 38.1% of his three-point attempts. Unlike many, Carlos Boozer declared for the NBA draft in his third year, thus forfeiting his eligibility for his college final year. And one memorable shot. Duke regained a seat at the top of the college basketball world earlier this year by winning its fourth national title. He only played one year but it was quite a year. Nicknamed Coach K, the coach has coached 67 players drafted into the NBA, with over 40 drafted in the first round. J.J is an all-time shooter and ranks 15th on overall leaders in three-point shooting. Wilson NCAA Street Shot Basketball Review: Is this Official Ball Worth It? Redick also holds the ACC record with a .912 career free-throw percentage and the team-high record with 2,769 career points. Kyrie Irving showcased his handles and finishing abilities that filled the void left by LeBron James. Bob Verga was a prolific scorer (20.2 points-per-game scoring average) in the ABA but didnt seem to help his teams win. 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. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. The Duke basketball team, fondly called the Blue Devils, are currently the fourth in the number of wins of all NCAA men's teams. Weve managed to squeeze in some of the most prominent names. The unique characteristics of Grant Hill made him a valuable asset in the NBA. 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. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Of course, when it comes to naming those who thrived the most, its a task much easier said than done. The system continues to produce some of the best talents in the sport ever since Coach K took over. 33 is also retired. While he only managed a shade over five points and three assists per game in his four years, his leadership and determination served as foreshadowing for the eventual coach he has become. Thats just part of the reason why Hill has aged like a fine wine. 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. This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at NitroBetting news. 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. "The Chief," as he was affectionately known at Duke, was part of two different Blue Devil teams. NBA Survivor contests update: NBA contests are cancelled. Shane Battiers NBA career certainly has paled in comparison to his legendary Duke days. His connection to that NBA talent is unquestioned and supported by the impact he had coaching USA Basketball to three gold medals. 32 retired. Although Carlos was picked 35th overall, his career performance outshined his slot at the draft. 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