Future Duke Basketball Forwards Reveal Favorite All-Time Blue Devils

Duke basketball has a long, storied history, but it seems that incoming freshmen may have been swayed more by recent Blue Devil stars.

Duke basketball signees Isaiah Evans and Cooper Flagg / Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Entering just his third season at the helm of Duke basketball, head coach Jon Scheyer secured the No. 1 overall recruiting class in the country, his third straight finish in the top three and second top overall class.

Two of the top players in that class were invited to the McDonald’s All-American Game in Houston this week. And during their media availability, they opened up on some of their favorite past Duke basketball players.

Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall prospect on the 247Sports 2024 Composite, spoke alongside future teammate and No. 12-ranked prospect Isaiah Evans on Monday when they were quizzed on their top three all-time Blue Devils.

Despite the Duke program boasting stars across multiple decades, including Christian Laettner, Bobby Hurley, Grant Hill, and JJ Redick, both future Blue Devils chose players from the last decade in Durham.

Evans’ top three consisted of a trio of former five-star one-and-dones in Cam Reddish, Brandon Ingram, and Paolo Banchero. Flagg’s answers also included three one-and-done freshmen, with his list being made up of Jayson Tatum, Banchero, and RJ Barrett.

🍔 @McDAAG tonight! Let’s go @Cooper_Flagg @IsaiahEvans26‼️ pic.twitter.com/iDycFP26JW

— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) April 2, 2024

Both players included Banchero on their list, who surprised Flagg last week with the Gatorade National Player of the Year trophy.

Interestingly enough, every former Blue Devil the duo named currently play in the NBA, with all five being selected within the top 10 picks of their respective NBA Draft years.

If the duo’s answers are any indication, the success of former Duke basketball players in the NBA may be a big selling point to continue to bring top prospects to Durham.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI for more Duke basketball recruiting news.