NCAA Basketball: 10 best players from state of Rhode Island of last decade

2. David Duke Jr. – Providence

A 6’5 guard from Providence, this top 50 recruit in the class of 2018 didn’t have to go far to find his success on the collegiate stage. Duke was recruited by Ed Cooley to stay home and play for the Friars. He started all 91 games across a three-year career as a critical piece in the Friars’ backcourt.

A talented combo guard, Duke saw his offensive numbers rises as his career progressed. Still, he had a 20-point outing against South Carolina early in his career and helped lead the Friars to the NIT. He really started to blossom in the pandemic-shortened season, hitting 42% of his 3-pointers, but he really came into his own in his junior season. Duke averaged 16.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. He had multiple 30-point outings in conference play and had 20 points in a late-season upset of Villanova.

Duke earned All-Big East Second Team honors as a junior, though his career doesn’t just boil down to accolades. He was a vital piece in those three seasons with the Friars, keying the offense while also playing a solid role on the defensive side of the ball. He skipped out on his remaining eligibility after that breakout season and eventually signed with the Brooklyn Nets, spending last season between the NBA and the G-League.