Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Alum Returns to Blue Devil Practice Court

The Duke basketball squad has some help in preparing for its ACC opener.
Matt Giles|
Mar 29, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Ryan Young (15) reacts after a play during the first half in the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament against the Houston Cougars at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Mar 29, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Ryan Young (15) reacts after a play during the first half in the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament against the Houston Cougars at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images | Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

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According to former Duke basketball center Ryan Young's LinkedIn page, the 26-year-old from Stewartsville, N.J., is still working as a senior associate for the Boston Consulting Group in Durham, N.C.

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Evidently, though, Young's work schedule allows plenty of time for him to hang out around the current batch of Blue Devils. Not only has the 2023-24 captain been a frequent patron at the program's home games since earning his MBA from the university's Fuqua School of Business, but as teased in the following post from the official Duke basketball social media account on Monday afternoon, he's also pitching in with the 2025-26 team's practice efforts.

Ryan Young, donning practice gear in the above picture but with a red shirt to confirm he's not on the actual roster, exhausted his eligibility on the college level two years ago.

Following three campaigns suiting up for former Duke basketball guard Chris Collins' Northwestern Wildcats, the 6-foot-10 big man transferred and spent two seasons as a Blue Devil graduate talent, beloved in the eyes of the program's famed Cameron Crazies student section. His time in Durham coincided with the first two years of Jon Scheyer's reign.

Appearing in 72 games across his Duke basketball career, Ryan Young averaged 4.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 14.7 minutes per outing, primarily in a reserve role.

Scheyer and his No. 6-ranked Blue Devils (11-1, 0-0 ACC) are getting ready for the first ACC bout, as Duke welcomes the unranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (9-4, 0-0 ACC) to Cameron Indoor Stadium at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday (ACC Network).

Duke hasn't played a game since suffering an 82-81 loss to the now-No. 15 Texas Tech Red Raiders in New York City's Madison Square Garden on Dec. 20.

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Nov 14, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer (right) talks to guard Cayden Boozer (2) during the first half against the Indiana State Sycamores at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images | Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

After hosting the Yellow Jackets, the potent Blue Devils will hit the road to square off against the unranked Florida State Seminoles (7-6, 0-0 ACC) at 3:45 p.m. ET Saturday (CBS) before facing an away battle versus the No. 16 Louisville Cardinals (10-2, 0-0 ACC) on Tuesday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m. ET (ESPN).

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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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