Top Duke basketball players since 2000 include JJ Redick, Zion Williamson, Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum, Brandon Ingram, Paolo Banchero, and Marvin Bagley III.
The Duke Blue Devils have long been a powerhouse in college basketball. Under the legendary leadership of Coach Mike Krzyzewski (and now Jon Scheyer), Duke has produced a steady pipeline of elite talent that has flourished both in college and the NBA. Since the turn of the millennium, several standout players have not only left their mark on the storied program but have also impacted basketball globally.
This article takes an in-depth look at the top Duke players since 2000, focusing on their college dominance, legacy, and professional careers. These are the Blue Devils who defined generations of basketball.
1. JJ Redick (2002–2006)
JJ Redick may be the most iconic Duke player of the early 2000s. Known for his incredible shooting range, confidence, and competitive fire, Redick was the face of Duke basketball during his four-year tenure.
College Highlights:
- NCAA’s all-time leader in three-pointers made (at the time)
- National Player of the Year (2006)
- Two-time ACC Player of the Year
Redick’s ability to hit from anywhere on the floor made him a nightly nightmare for defenders. Though polarizing among opposing fans, his consistency and leadership were central to Duke’s success in the early 2000s.
NBA Career:
Redick played 15 seasons in the NBA, adapting his role into that of a top-tier role player and shooter. His professionalism and basketball IQ made him a respected veteran in locker rooms across the league.
2. Zion Williamson (2018–2019)
Zion Williamson’s time at Duke was short but seismic. In just one season, he became a cultural phenomenon and one of the most physically dominant players in college basketball history.
College Highlights:
- Naismith Player of the Year (2019)
- ACC Player of the Year
- Averaged 22.6 PPG, 8.9 RPG, and shot 68% from the field
Zion captivated fans with his unmatched athleticism, thunderous dunks, and explosive power. His presence filled arenas and brought massive media attention to Duke basketball.
NBA Career:
Selected No. 1 overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019, Zion has battled injuries but has still showcased All-Star-level talent. When healthy, he remains one of the most dominant interior forces in the league.
3. Kyrie Irving (2010–2011)
Though he played just 11 games at Duke due to injury, Kyrie Irving showed enough to become the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. His talent was unmistakable, and he left Duke as one of the most polished point guards in recent memory.
College Highlights:
- Averaged 17.5 points and 4.3 assists in limited action
- Made an immediate impact despite injury
Irving’s brief Duke stint was a glimpse of brilliance. He played with poise, creativity, and elite ball-handling skills that would translate seamlessly to the NBA.
NBA Career:
A multi-time NBA All-Star and 2016 NBA Champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kyrie is known for his dazzling handles, clutch performances, and controversial yet compelling persona. His NBA career has outshined his short college tenure, but Duke fans still claim him proudly.
4. Jayson Tatum (2016–2017)
Jayson Tatum played just one season at Duke but made an immediate impact as a smooth-scoring, versatile forward. His skill set was NBA-ready, and his time at Duke helped refine his offensive and defensive instincts.
College Highlights:
- Averaged 16.8 PPG and 7.3 RPG
- Helped lead Duke to an ACC Championship
Tatum’s ability to score from all three levels and defend multiple positions made him a prototypical modern wing.
NBA Career:
Since being drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2017, Tatum has blossomed into one of the league’s premier forwards. A multiple-time All-Star and First Team All-NBA selection, Tatum has led the Celtics deep into the playoffs and continues to elevate his game every season.
5. Brandon Ingram (2015–2016)
Ingram’s long, wiry frame and natural scoring ability made him an instant standout during his lone season at Duke. He showcased a smooth offensive game with a calm demeanor that belied his age.
College Highlights:
- Averaged 17.3 PPG and 6.8 RPG
- ACC Freshman of the Year
- Displayed elite shot-making and versatility
Ingram played alongside a younger Grayson Allen-led team but quickly became the go-to scoring option, impressing scouts with his potential.
NBA Career:
Drafted No. 2 overall in 2016, Ingram took time to grow into his game but broke out with the New Orleans Pelicans, earning the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in 2020. He remains a skilled scorer capable of taking over games with his midrange and three-point shooting.
6. Paolo Banchero (2021–2022)
Paolo Banchero became Duke’s latest No. 1 overall pick after a standout freshman season. His physical tools and offensive polish were unmatched in his class, and he played with the poise of a seasoned pro.
College Highlights:
- Led Duke to the Final Four in 2022
- ACC Rookie of the Year
- Averaged 17.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG
Banchero’s ability to handle the ball, hit midrange jumpers, and defend multiple positions made him a matchup nightmare at the college level.
NBA Career:
Selected No. 1 overall by the Orlando Magic, Banchero won NBA Rookie of the Year in 2023 and has become the cornerstone of the franchise. His size, skill, and court vision have made him one of the most promising young stars in the NBA.
7. Marvin Bagley III (2017–2018)
Marvin Bagley III reclassified to join the Blue Devils a year early and didn’t disappoint. A double-double machine with elite athleticism, Bagley was dominant in the paint during his one year at Duke.
College Highlights:
- Averaged 21.0 PPG and 11.1 RPG
- ACC Player and Rookie of the Year
- First Team All-American
Bagley was a force around the basket and formed a dynamic frontcourt duo with Wendell Carter Jr. during Duke’s deep tournament run.
NBA Career:
Drafted No. 2 overall by the Sacramento Kings, Bagley’s pro career has been uneven due to injuries and fit issues. Still, he’s shown flashes of his college dominance and remains a productive big man with upside.
Honorable Mentions
Several other Duke players since 2000 deserve recognition for their contributions and professional success:
- Shane Battier (2001): Defensive genius and floor leader who won the 2001 NCAA title and went on to win two NBA championships with Miami.
- Grayson Allen (2014–2018): A fiery competitor and clutch shooter, Allen became a reliable NBA guard after a polarizing college career.
- Tyus Jones (2014–2015): MVP of the 2015 NCAA title run, known for his poise and decision-making.
- Luke Kennard (2015–2017): Elite shooter who carved out a successful NBA role.
- Cam Reddish, RJ Barrett, and Tre Jones have also made their mark.
The Duke Culture and Player Development
What sets Duke apart is not just the raw talent it attracts but the way it prepares players for the next level. The “Duke Brotherhood” fosters strong player-coach relationships, emphasizing team-first values, discipline, and mental toughness. Even one-and-done stars like Zion and Tatum leave the program well-equipped for the NBA.
Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s leadership laid the foundation for this excellence, and Jon Scheyer has continued the tradition with a focus on adaptability and modern player development. The consistent output of NBA-ready talent is a testament to the coaching staff’s ability to tailor their system to elite prospects while instilling winning habits.
A Legacy of Greatness
Since 2000, Duke basketball has continued to be a beacon of excellence, producing NBA All-Stars, champions, and team leaders. Players like JJ Redick, Zion Williamson, Kyrie Irving, and Jayson Tatum not only starred in college but also transitioned to the pros with immediate impact.
Each of these athletes brought something unique to Duke — whether it was Redick’s leadership, Zion’s power, Irving’s finesse, or Tatum’s polish. They were all shaped by a program that values growth, unity, and competitive fire.
As Duke looks ahead under Jon Scheyer, the future remains bright. New generations of Blue Devils are ready to add their names to this storied list, continuing a tradition of excellence that shows no sign of slowing down.
