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Duke Basketball: Top 25 Players to Ever Play for Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski

By Tristan Freeman

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 10: Head coach Mike Krzyzewski of the Duke Blue Devils directs his team against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Petersen Events Center on January 10, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 10: Head coach Mike Krzyzewski of the Duke Blue Devils directs his team against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Petersen Events Center on January 10, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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DURHAM, NC – MARCH 4: J.J. Redick #4 of the Duke University Blue Devils celebrates during the game against the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Tar Heels on March 4, 2006 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. North Carolina won 88-76. (Photo By Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC – MARCH 4: J.J. Redick #4 of the Duke University Blue Devils celebrates during the game against the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Tar Heels on March 4, 2006 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. North Carolina won 88-76. (Photo By Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

4. JJ Redick – Duke Blue Devils (2003-2006)

Career stats: 19.9 ppg 2.7 rpg 2.2 apg

The all-time leading scorer in Duke Basketball history, Redick had the greatest single-season performance in school history in my opinion. He averaged 26.8 ppg while making four three-pointers a game. Redick won the Wooden Award and was the consensus National Player of the Year, as well as another ACC Player of the Year Award.

3. Gary Winton – Army Black Knights (1975-1978)

Career stats: 21.9 ppg 11.1 rpg 2.7 apg

Remember how impressive Bagley’s season was this past year? That’s what Winton did for four years, averaging at least 20 ppg and 10 rpg each season. He was a sophomore when Krzyzewski arrived and was the first “star” he ever coached. Winton had 17 games of at least 30+ points and 15+ boards and is currently the Knights all-time rebounds leader.

2. Johnny Dawkins – Duke Blue Devils (1983-1986)

Career stats: 19.2 ppg 4.0 rpg 4.2 apg

A multi-time All-American and 1986 Naismith Award winner for best player in the sport, Dawkins was in part responsible for Duke elevating into the national power they are today. The 6’2 guard never averaged less than 18 ppg, and dropped over 20 ppg as a senior. That was the year they went to the title game, coming up short against Louisville. Dawkins did his best in that battle, leading Duke with 24 points.

1. Bobby Hurley – Duke Blue Devils (1990-1993)

Career stats: 12.4 ppg 2.2 rpg 7.7 apg

A four-year starter at the point guard position for Duke, Hurley went to three different Final Fours, winning two national championships. He started out as a facilitator primarily, but his offense steadily improved – averaging 17.0 ppg his senior season. The assists never stopped though, with Hurley currently the all-time NCAA is total assists with 1,076.

Next: 2018-19 Preseason Top 25 After NBA Draft Decisions

The Duke Blue Devils in the early 90s have been considered to be some of the best basketball ever to play. There were some great players on those teams (many on this list), but it was Hurley who was the engine to make them go. Coach Krzyzewski has always needed quality point guard play to make things work at a high level, and none were better than Hurley.

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