Duke University has a rich basketball history and has produced numerous legends who have left a lasting impact on college and professional basketball. Here are some of the most iconic Duke Basketball Legends:
All-Time Greats
Christian Laettner (1988–1992)
- 2× NCAA Champion (1991, 1992)
- 1992 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player
- Hit “The Shot” vs. Kentucky in the 1992 Elite Eight
- Only college player on the 1992 USA Dream Team
Grant Hill (1990–1994)
- 2× NCAA Champion (1991, 1992)
- Versatile forward with elite defense and playmaking
- 7× NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer
Bobby Hurley (1989–1993)
- NCAA Champion (1991, 1992)
- NCAA’s all-time leader in career assists (1,076)
- 1992 Final Four MOP
JJ Redick (2002–2006)
- 2006 National Player of the Year
- Duke’s all-time leading scorer (2,769 points)
- One of the greatest shooters in NCAA history
Elton Brand (1997–1999)
- 1999 National Player of the Year
- #1 overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft
- Had a successful NBA career (2× All-Star)
Jay Williams (1999–2002)
- 2001 NCAA Champion
- 2002 National Player of the Year
- Explosive scorer and leader
More Recent Duke Legends
Kyrie Irving (2010–2011)
- Played only 11 games at Duke due to injury
- #1 overall pick in 2011 NBA Draft
- NBA Champion (2016), 8× All-Star
Zion Williamson (2018–2019)
- 2019 National Player of the Year
- #1 overall pick in 2019 NBA Draft
- One of the most athletic players in college history
Jayson Tatum (2016–2017)
- Star at Duke for one season
- NBA All-Star and leader for the Boston Celtics
Brandon Ingram (2015–2016)
- ACC Freshman of the Year
- #2 overall pick in 2016 NBA Draft
- NBA All-Star
Duke’s Legendary Coach
- Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K) (1980–2022)
- 5× NCAA Champion (1991, 1992, 2001, 2010, 2015)
- Most wins in NCAA history
- Coached Team USA to 3 Olympic gold medals
Duke’s basketball legacy continues with its elite NBA pipeline and championship pedigree.