Duke Basketball: Best player ever to wear every Blue Devil jersey number
By Dakota Cox
No. 0: Jayson Tatum (2017)
Jayson Tatum only stayed at Duke for one year, but he was a stud. He was highly-touted as a recruit, and he proved his worth in a season. As a Celtic, he is proving that he is an all-star talent. He might have only stayed for a season, but he is definitely one of the best to wear a Duke uniform, and the best to wear that iconic zero.
No. 1: Jabari Parker (2014)
Yet another one-and-done player, Parker got a lot done in his season. He probably wished he could have done more in the postseason, but he still did a lot at Duke. I chose Parker over Kyrie Irving strictly because of his output in college. Due to Irving’s injury, he just didn’t have enough time to build his college legacy. Irving is definitely a better player in the NBA, but this choice is about what they do in a Duke jersey.
No. 2: Quinn Cook (2012-2015)
Most remember Quinn Cook as being a veteran presence and leader to his freshman teammates when they won Duke’s latest championship. He’s helped his NBA presence by carving out a role for the Golden State Warriors. Luol Deng is another great option, but there’s just something about winning a title in your senior season.
No. 3: Grayson Allen (2015-2018)
It’s odd that the only recruit of the 2014 class that stayed past his freshman year might be the only one that makes this list, but Grayson Allen did a lot in his four years. He came with his issues, but he was a key contributor on every team he played on. We’ll have to see what he does in the NBA with the Utah Jazz.
No. 4: JJ Redick (2003-2006)
Okay, this one was a lock. Redick is arguably one of the best Duke players of all time. He scored at a premium and got the No. 4 jersey retired for Duke. There’s no doubt that he’s the best No. 4 player in Duke history.
No. 5: Mason Plumlee (2010-2013)
There was a time where the Plumlee brothers ran college basketball. If you say their last name in Durham, fans know exactly which three players you are talking about, and they probably have a favorite memory tied to it. Mason was a part of the 2010 championship season as well. Rodney Hood has done more in the NBA, but one season at Duke won’t cut it against the royal family in Durham.