Duke players in the NBA: Tatum, Irving, Williamson, more

ByKeith Jenkins ESPN logo
Friday, November 1, 2024

Duke men's basketball changed forever on March 18, 1980. That was the day the school hired Mike Krzyzewski away from Army.

Krzyzewski transformed the Blue Devils into a perennial power, leading the program to five national championships and winning 1,129 games over 42 seasons, the most victories in NCAA history at one school.

"Coach K" also produced 68 NBA draft picks, including 42 first-round selections. Of those 42 first-rounders, 28 were lottery picks, the most in NBA draft history. Four of those players --Paolo Banchero, Zion Williamson, Kyrie Irving and Elton Brand -- were No. 1 selections.

Krzyzewski coached at Duke until 2022, when one of his former players and longtime assistants, Jon Scheyer, took over as head coach.

Here's a look at the most notable players who left an indelible mark on men's basketball both at Duke and in the NBA:

Paolo Banchero

2021-22 ACC Rookie of the Year

2021-22 consensus second-team All-American

No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA draft (Orlando Magic)

2022-23 NBA Rookie of the Year

2024 NBA All-Star

Shane Battier

2000-01 National College Player of the Year

2001 NCAA champion

No. 31 retired at Duke

No. 6 pick in the 2001 NBA draft (Vancouver Grizzlies)

Two-time NBA champion (2012, 2013)

Carlos Boozer

2001 NCAA champion

2001-02 third-team All-American

No. 35 pick in the 2002 NBA draft (Cleveland Cavaliers)

Two-time NBA All-Star (2007, 2008)

2007-08 All-NBA third team

Elton Brand

1998-99 National College Player of the Year

No. 1 pick in the 1999 NBA draft (Chicago Bulls)

1999-2000 NBA Co-Rookie of the Year (Steve Francis)

Two-time NBA All-Star (2002, 2006)

2005-06 All-NBA second team

Luol Deng

2003-04 third-team All-ACC

No. 7 pick in the 2004 NBA draft (Phoenix Suns)

2004-05 All-Rookie first team

2011-12 NBA All-Defensive second team

Two-time NBA All-Star (2012, 2013)

Danny Ferry

Two-time ACC Player of the Year

1988-89 consensus first-team All-American

No. 35 retired at Duke

No. 2 pick in the 1989 NBA draft (Los Angeles Clippers)

2003 NBA champion

Grant Hill

Two-time NCAA champion (1991, 1992)

No. 33 retired at Duke

No. 3 pick in the 1994 NBA draft (Detroit Pistons)

Five-time All-NBA selection

Basketball Hall of Famer

Brandon Ingram

2015-16 ACC Rookie of the Year

No. 2 pick in the 2016 NBA draft (Los Angeles Lakers)

2016-17 NBA All-Rookie second team

2020 NBA All-Star

2019-20 NBA Most Improved Player

Kyrie Irving

No. 1 pick in the 2011 NBA draft (Cavaliers)

2011-12 NBA Rookie of the Year

Eight-time NBA All-Star

2014 NBA All-Star Game MVP

2016 NBA champion

Christian Laettner

Two-time NCAA champion (1991, 1992)

1991-92 National College Player of the Year

No. 3 pick in the 1992 NBA draft (Minnesota Timberwolves)

1992-93 NBA All-Rookie first team

1997 NBA All-Star

JJ Redick

Two-time consensus first-team All-American

2005-06 National College Player of the Year

No. 4 retired at Duke

No. 11 pick in the 2006 NBA draft (Magic)

Played 15 NBA seasons (2006-21)

Jayson Tatum

2016-17 third-team All-ACC

No. 3 pick in the 2017 NBA draft (Boston Celtics)

Four-time All-NBA selection

2023 NBA All-Star Game MVP

2024 NBA champion

Zion Williamson

2018-19 ACC Player of the Year

2018-19 National College Player of the Year

No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA draft (New Orleans Pelicans)

2019-20 NBA All-Rookie first team

Two-time NBA All-Star (2021, 2023)

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