The 10 Best Freshman Seasons in Duke Basketball History

Duke University has a rich tradition of producing elite basketball talent, and its freshman seasons often set the stage for legendary careers. From Zion Williamson’s explosive debut to Cooper Flagg’s record-breaking performance, here are the top 10 freshman seasons in Duke men’s basketball history.

1. Cooper Flagg (2024–25)

• Stats: 19.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.4 BPG
• Accolades: Wooden Award, ACC Player of the Year, Naismith Trophy
• Highlights: Flagg shattered the ACC freshman single-game scoring record with 42 points against Notre Dame. He led Duke to the Final Four and became the first freshman since 1986 to lead his team in all major statistical categories during a Final Four game.

2. Zion Williamson (2018–19)

• Stats: 22.6 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 2.1 SPG, 1.8 BPG, 68% FG
• Accolades: Consensus National Player of the Year
• Highlights: Williamson’s freshman season was one of the most dominant in college basketball history. He led Duke to the Elite Eight and was a consensus National Player of the Year. His 32-point performance in the ACC Tournament against UNC remains iconic.

3. Marvin Bagley III (2017–18)

• Stats: 21.0 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 1.5 BPG
• Accolades: ACC Freshman of the Year
• Highlights: Bagley set ACC freshman records with 22 double-doubles and seven 30-point games. He averaged a double-double and was a dominant force in the paint. His consistency and scoring ability were key to Duke’s success that season.

4. Jabari Parker (2013–14)

• Stats: 19.1 PPG, 8.7 RPG
• Accolades: ACC Rookie of the Year
• Highlights: Parker was a versatile scorer and rebounder, leading Duke in both categories. His ability to score from inside and outside made him a matchup nightmare for opponents. He was a key contributor to Duke’s success that season.

5. Brandon Ingram (2015–16)

• Stats: 17.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.1 BPG
• Accolades: ACC Rookie of the Year, First-Team All-ACC
• Highlights: Ingram’s smooth shooting stroke and length made him a standout freshman. He led Duke in scoring and was a key player in their run to the Sweet 16. His performance earned him First-Team All-ACC honors.

6. Jayson Tatum (2016–17)

• Stats: 16.8 PPG, 7.3 RPG
• Accolades: First-Team All-ACC
• Highlights: Tatum’s scoring ability and versatility were evident from the start. He was a key player in Duke’s run to the Elite Eight and earned First-Team All-ACC honors. His performance solidified his status as a top NBA prospect.

7. RJ Barrett (2018–19)

• Stats: 22.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 4.3 APG
• Accolades: First-Team All-ACC
• Highlights: Barrett was a dynamic scorer and playmaker for Duke. He led the team in scoring and was a key contributor to their success that season. His performance earned him First-Team All-ACC honors.

8. Paolo Banchero (2021–22)

• Stats: 17.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3.2 APG
• Accolades: ACC Rookie of the Year
• Highlights: Banchero’s combination of size and skill made him a matchup problem for opponents. He led Duke in scoring and was a key player in their run to the Final Four. His performance earned him ACC Rookie of the Year honors.

9. Kyle Filipowski (2022–23)

• Stats: 15.1 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.4 BPG
• Accolades: ACC Freshman of the Year
• Highlights: Filipowski was a double-double machine, leading Duke in both scoring and rebounding. His ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim made him a valuable asset for Duke. He earned ACC Freshman of the Year honors for his efforts.

10. Kyrie Irving (2010–11)

• Stats: 17.4 PPG, 5.1 APG
• Accolades: First-Team All-ACC
• Highlights: Irving’s freshman season was cut short due to injury, but he made an immediate impact when healthy. His scoring and playmaking ability were evident, and he earned First-Team All-ACC honors. His brief but impressive stint at Duke