Jay Williams lists Kyrie Irving in his all-time NBA lineup of Duke players
For years, Duke had a reputation as a college basketball powerhouse that didn’t produce quality NBA players. That narrative has changed since the rise of the one-and-done era, and the Blue Devils had three former players participating in the NBA All-Star Game earlier this year.
Kyrie Irving only played 11 games in his single season for Duke due to a foot injury, but is arguably the best current Blue Devil in the NBA, with seven All-Star appearances and a championship on his résumé.
In a conversation with USA TODAY Sports’ Mackenzie Salmon, Duke legend and current ESPN analyst Jay Williams listed Irving in his all-time NBA lineup of Duke stars.
Here’s Jay Williams’ starting five:
Point guard: Kyrie Irving
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“My point guard I’m taking Kyrie Irving. He played 11 games, I don’t care, I’m taking him. He qualifies.”
Shooting guard: JJ Redick
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“I’m not choosing myself, I’m not going to be that guy. I’ll go with JJ Redick because he always asks me every time I see him if I stayed a fourth year will he still be the all-time leading scorer at Duke. I’m like ‘not really, because you wouldn’t have started.’ I’ll take JJ Redick.”
Small forward: Grant Hill
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“Grant Hill. God, I’m leaving out Jayson Tatum, wow, that’s painful.”
Power forward: Shane Battier
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“The four spot it’s either Shane Battier or Christian Laettner. I played with Shane so I’ll be a little bit more biased. I’ll go with Shane Battier.”
Center: Christian Laettner
AP Photo/Charles Arbogast
“You know what? I’ll go with Shane Battier and Christian Laettner….. And I’ll come off the bench.”
