I know we've had variations of our favorite top 5 players in Duke history but I can't remember one that just had seniors. I do have an advantage because I've seen so many great seniors come through the program. There's been so many great players come through the program that it's just about impossible to pick the 10 best Duke players ever much less 5. I had a problem with picking 5 seniors and really I had about 12 that I could have put up. So here are mine. Remember guys. Seniors only.
PG My PG is Bobby Hurley. One of the most purist point guards to ever play the position in college. Would have been nice to see how he would have done if he hadn't been hurt. The thing about Bobby is that he didn't have to score to be very effective but could score. He was one heck of a defensive player also.
SG This was very tough but I'm going with Johnny Dawkins. As time goes by we tend to forget just how good he was. He actually played the point before Amaker came along. Was the man for Duke from the day he set foot on the court. He could D it up also.
C Mike Gminski. Hard call here but he came to Duke when he was 16 and was so mature from the get go. Was consistent all 4 years. Fundamentally sound center as I have ever seen in college other than Bill Walton. Great rebounder. Sound free throw shooter and did I mention he could play some D.
PF Christian Laettner. The best that ever wore the Duke Blue and White. He could do it all. Play three positions and was Duke nasty. Did i mention he could play some D. It's been over 25 years since he played and UK fans still haven't gotten over him. Yes he was an ass hole but he was our ass hole. OF
SF Grant Hill. My favorite player of all time . Talk about a well rounded player. I do believe he played at least 4 positions at one time at Duke. He could play D too. May make the Basketball HOF despite all the injuries.
With great admiration to the following seniors.
Gene Banks
Jim Spanarkel
Shane Battier
Shelden Williams
JJ Redick
Danny Ferry
Art Heyman
There could have been more. OFC
PG My PG is Bobby Hurley. One of the most purist point guards to ever play the position in college. Would have been nice to see how he would have done if he hadn't been hurt. The thing about Bobby is that he didn't have to score to be very effective but could score. He was one heck of a defensive player also.
SG This was very tough but I'm going with Johnny Dawkins. As time goes by we tend to forget just how good he was. He actually played the point before Amaker came along. Was the man for Duke from the day he set foot on the court. He could D it up also.
C Mike Gminski. Hard call here but he came to Duke when he was 16 and was so mature from the get go. Was consistent all 4 years. Fundamentally sound center as I have ever seen in college other than Bill Walton. Great rebounder. Sound free throw shooter and did I mention he could play some D.
PF Christian Laettner. The best that ever wore the Duke Blue and White. He could do it all. Play three positions and was Duke nasty. Did i mention he could play some D. It's been over 25 years since he played and UK fans still haven't gotten over him. Yes he was an ass hole but he was our ass hole. OF
SF Grant Hill. My favorite player of all time . Talk about a well rounded player. I do believe he played at least 4 positions at one time at Duke. He could play D too. May make the Basketball HOF despite all the injuries.
With great admiration to the following seniors.
Gene Banks
Jim Spanarkel
Shane Battier
Shelden Williams
JJ Redick
Danny Ferry
Art Heyman
There could have been more. OFC
