Top Duke basketball players since 2000 include JJ Redick, Zion Williamson, Kyrie Irving, Jabari Parker, and Jayson Tatum, all NBA stars and college standouts.

Duke University has long been a powerhouse in college basketball, producing some of the sport’s most electrifying talents. Since the turn of the millennium, the Blue Devils have continued that tradition, attracting elite recruits and developing players into NBA stars. From sharpshooting guards to dominant forwards, Duke’s roster has been loaded with players who have left a lasting legacy on both the collegiate and professional levels.

This article spotlights the top Duke basketball players since 2000, focusing on their college careers, defining moments, and NBA success. Among them are names like JJ Redick, Zion Williamson, Kyrie Irving, Jabari Parker, and Jayson Tatum — all of whom helped cement Duke’s place at the forefront of college basketball.

JJ Redick (2002–2006)

College Highlights

JJ Redick redefined perimeter shooting during his time at Duke. Known as one of the best shooters in college basketball history, Redick set numerous records and became the Atlantic Coast Conference’s all-time leading scorer. His ability to score from beyond the arc made him a nightmare matchup for defenses.

• ACC Player of the Year: Twice (2005, 2006)
• All-American Honors: Multiple selections
• Career Points: Over 2,600 points, then ACC record
• Team Success: Led Duke to multiple ACC titles and deep NCAA tournament runs

Playing Style and Impact

Redick’s relentless work ethic and unshakable confidence in shooting changed how perimeter players approached the game. He was not just a shooter but an intelligent floor general who elevated Duke’s offensive efficiency.

NBA Career

Drafted 11th overall in 2006 by the Orlando Magic, Redick carved out a 15-year NBA career. Though never a superstar, his shooting was highly valued. He played for multiple teams and was often the go-to shooter in clutch situations, ending his career with over 15,000 NBA points.

Zion Williamson (2018–2019)

College Highlights

Zion Williamson’s single season at Duke was nothing short of spectacular. His blend of power, explosiveness, and agility was unprecedented at the college level, captivating fans and scouts alike.

• National College Player of the Year: Multiple awards in 2019
• Consensus First-Team All-American
• Highlight Plays: Slam dunks and highlight reels that dominated social media
• Team Success: Led Duke to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament

Playing Style and Impact

Zion combined rare athleticism with a unique frame, allowing him to overpower defenders and finish with authority. His presence altered games on both ends, making him an elite scorer, rebounder, and shot-blocker.

NBA Career

Selected first overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Pelicans, Zion has become a franchise cornerstone. Despite injuries, his impact on the court is profound, showing flashes of All-Star caliber play and redefining the power forward position.

Kyrie Irving (2010–2011)

College Highlights

Kyrie Irving’s lone season at Duke was marked by his dazzling ball-handling and scoring ability. Although injuries limited his playing time, Irving showed enough flashes of brilliance to solidify his status as an elite guard prospect.

• Freshman All-ACC Team
• Notable Skills: Exceptional dribbling, clutch shooting, and creativity on offense
• Team Impact: Helped Duke secure a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament

Playing Style and Impact

Irving’s skills were already NBA-ready as a freshman. His crafty handles, ability to finish at the rim, and deep shooting range made him one of the most exciting players in college basketball.

NBA Career

Drafted first overall in 2011 by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Irving quickly became a star. A six-time NBA All-Star and 2016 NBA Champion, Kyrie is known for his scoring prowess, clutch performances, and ball-handling wizardry.

Jabari Parker (2013–2015)

College Highlights

Jabari Parker was heralded as a top recruit and lived up to expectations during his two seasons at Duke. His combination of size, skill, and scoring ability made him a dominant forward in college.

• ACC Rookie of the Year (2014)
• All-ACC First Team (2014, 2015)
• Career Averages: 19.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game over two seasons

Playing Style and Impact

Parker’s polished offensive game featured smooth shooting, footwork, and versatility. He was a reliable scorer from inside and outside, often carrying the Duke offense.

NBA Career

Drafted 2nd overall in 2014 by the Milwaukee Bucks, Parker had a promising start to his NBA career but was hampered by injuries. Despite setbacks, he remains a skilled scorer and valuable role player.

Jayson Tatum (2016–2017)

College Highlights

Jayson Tatum’s freshman year at Duke showcased his scoring ability and versatility. A smooth scorer with excellent size and athleticism, Tatum was one of the top freshmen in the country.

• ACC All-Freshman Team
• ACC All-Defensive Team
• Averaged: 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game as a freshman

Playing Style and Impact

Tatum blends a polished shooting stroke with the ability to create his own shot. His defensive potential and rebounding add to his all-around game, making him a prototype modern forward.

NBA Career

Selected 3rd overall in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, Tatum has blossomed into a perennial All-Star and one of the NBA’s premier forwards. He’s known for his scoring, leadership, and clutch performances.

Other Notable Duke Players Since 2000

Brandon Ingram (2015–2016)

A lanky forward with length and shooting ability, Ingram made an immediate impact in his lone season before becoming a top NBA draft pick and eventual NBA All-Star.

Marvin Bagley III (2017–2018)

Bagley’s athleticism and scoring ability earned him ACC Player of the Year honors as a freshman, leading to a high NBA draft selection.

Grayson Allen (2014–2018)

A relentless competitor and clutch shooter, Allen was a key player for Duke and had a lengthy NBA career as a sharpshooter.

Duke’s Legacy of Developing NBA Talent

Since 2000, Duke has consistently produced NBA-ready talent that thrives at the next level. The program’s emphasis on fundamentals, defense, and high basketball IQ has prepared players to adapt and succeed professionally.

From JJ Redick’s sharpshooting mastery to Zion Williamson’s explosive power, Duke’s basketball program has been home to some of the most talented and impactful players in modern college basketball. The legacy of players like Kyrie Irving, Jabari Parker, and Jayson Tatum further cements Duke’s role as a premier incubator of NBA stars.

Each of these athletes has not only left an indelible mark on Duke but also continues to influence the game at the highest levels. As new generations of Blue Devils emerge, the legacy of excellence remains firmly intact.