The Greatest Duke Basketball Players: All-Time Starting Five

The Duke Blue Devils are one of the most storied programs in college basketball history. With legendary coaches, star-filled rosters, and countless NCAA Tournament appearances, the program has produced some of the sport’s greatest players. Creating an all-time starting five is nearly impossible given the depth of Duke’s legacy, but we are taking our best shot anyway because that is where all the fun begins. The lineup below represents the players who, in our view, best defined Duke basketball and left an undeniable mark on the game. Let the debate begin.

Point Guard: Bobby Hurley

Bobby Hurley is one of the most iconic floor generals in college basketball history. His invaluable court vision and leadership make him a lock for this spot, especially since he helped lead the Blue Devils to back-to-back national titles in 1991 and 1992. He still owns the all-time NCAA record for assists in a career and was a first-team All-American his senior year. Hurley never had a season in his collegiate career where he did not average at least seven assists per game. Kyrie Irving and Tyus Jones both deserve consideration, but Hurley’s championship pedigree and consistent ability to command the floor make him the clear choice.

Shooting Guard: J.J. Redick

Nobody defined the term “shooting guard” more than J.J. Redick. The Duke sharpshooter is arguably one of the best off-ball players in college basketball history. He was a two-time first-team All-American and a National Player of the Year award winner. Redick led the ACC in scoring during both his junior and senior seasons and was always clutch in the big moments. This was an easy selection, as Redick embodies the perfect Duke shooting guard.

Small Forward: Grant Hill

Grant Hill was the definition of a versatile superstar at Duke. Athletic, skilled, and intelligent, he could score from inside or outside, grab rebounds, create plays, and defend the opponent’s best player. During his time at Duke, Hill helped lead the Blue Devils to two Final Fours and earned two All-American selections. His unique combination of size and agility allowed him to play multiple positions effectively, making him a matchup nightmare for any defense. While Shane Battier makes a strong case for his defensive dominance, Hill’s blend of athleticism, skill, and highlight-reel moments gives him the edge.

Power Forward: Christian Laettner

Expect anything different? Christian Laettner is the most iconic Blue Devil of all time. His college career is defined by clutch performances, dominance in the paint, and exceptional basketball IQ. Laettner’s legendary moment in the 1992 East Regional Final, “The Shot,” remains one of the most memorable moments in NCAA history and perfectly showcases his ability to perform under pressure. He was a two-time national champion and a two-time All-American who consistently delivered in big games. Laettner’s combination of size, skill, and poise makes him an easy choice at power forward. His impact extended beyond statistics, as his presence alone could change the flow of a game and elevate his team.

Center: Elton Brand

At center, the nod goes to Elton Brand, a dominant presence in the paint and one of the strongest players in Duke history. Brand was a consistent scorer, a force on the boards, and an underrated defender. He earned multiple All-American honors and was a major reason Duke maintained its dominance during his time at the university. Brand’s ability to control the interior allowed Duke’s perimeter players to operate freely, knowing the paint was secure. While players such as Carlos Boozer, Shelden Williams, and Zion Williamson were outstanding, Brand’s combination of inside scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess makes him the best choice at center.

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