Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Legend Will ‘Cut Off’ Son if He Plays for UNC

No matter what, it sounds like UNC will never get a dime from Duke basketball's JJ Redick.
Matt Giles|
Duke Basketball Legend Will ‘Cut Off’ Son if He Plays for UNC
Duke Basketball Legend Will ‘Cut Off’ Son if He Plays for UNC

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It's certainly realistic that Knox Redick, 8, could play in the ACC a decade from now and perhaps earn a chance to play in the NBA like his father, Duke basketball's all-time scorer and former 15-year NBA guard JJ Redick. After all, Knox, the oldest of JJ's two sons, has already defeated an active NBA player in a 3-point contest.

And there's no doubt JJ Redick is actively involved in his son's on-court pursuits, to the extent of coaching his youth team so passionately that he's already racked up at least one ejection. 

RELATED: Duke Great Gets Tossed From Son's Youth Game

He allows Knox, who isn't shy about his NBA dream, to be part of the good-natured fun he and his crew have on his podcast, The Old Man & the Three.

On the season-finale episode this week, JJ responded to questions from fans, including a provocative hypothetical about Knox's future — involving Duke's archrival — that caught his attention:

"Would you rather have Knox be a star at Duke and win the national tournament AND never make the NBA OR be a 1 and done at UNC and be a lottery pick?"

Somehow, the answer JJ provided in the tweeted video above, enhanced by the comically creative use of photoshopping and a movie clip, comes across as hilarious, supportive, and vindictive all at once.

"As a parent, I want what's best for my kid," the 39-year-old retired sharpshooter, whose No. 4 is one of Duke basketball's 13 retired jersey numbers, explained. "So, of course, I'm going to say, Knox, yeah, he talks all the time...I think any kid is like, 'I'm gonna play in the NBA, I'm gonna play in the NBA'...

"If that's what his dream is, and he works hard enough, and he decides he wants to go to UNC to pursue that dream, I'm not going to hold him back. I'm not going to hold him back. I will cut him off. But I'm not going to hold him back."

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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