It's the new second recruiting season that sees players flooding into the transfer portal. This gives fans another way to stay connected and involved with their fantasy football team in his style. Considering the tone of the season and Friday's announcement of the addition of Zion James, Duke Basketball's third transfer this offseason, a ranking of the program's best transfers seems in order. Ta.
Related: Duke University head coach John Scheyer once again silences overreactions
As a reminder, Duke is known to be relatively new to this mass portal game. So when creating this list, the Blue Devils don't have a lot of quality players to choose from, as they've had a one-and-done recruiting style since their 2010 title team.
It's also worth noting that this list begins with the Mike Krzyzewski era. I don't mean to disrespect the players who played for Durham before 1980.
Special Award: Theo John (2021-22)
It would be painful for most Duke basketball fans to see the bruiser from Minneapolis, Minnesota left off this list. However, you can only choose 5. Theo John was Coach K's first entry into the transfer portal and was a key bench contributor on the team that hit Caleb Love's miracle shot in the title game.
His market transfer personality and hockey player-like physical abilities were attractive to Blue Devils everywhere.
5. Ryan Young (2022-24)
Too soon, Ryan, too soon. It's understandable that former Northwestern big man Ryan Young didn't have the flashiest two years at Duke. He averaged 2.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game and was not invited to the NBA Draft Combine.
But what Ryan Young gave John Scheier in his first two years as head coach can't be measured in points. Basketball higher-ups have yet to find a way to value hustle, heart and attitude. Young possesses many of these ingredients, easing the transition for a new coach and his young teammates from two extremely talented recruiting classes.
4. Rodney Hood (2013-2014)
Rodney Hood hit the transfer button from Mississippi State during the dark days of 2012. Back then, players had to sacrifice something to transfer, and Hood sat out the Elite Eight during the 2012-13 campaign to qualify for less. season. He then played second fiddle behind ACC Rookie of the Year Jabari Parker and earned All-ACC Second Team honors.
He averaged 16.1 points per game. But Hood's season in Durham will be defined by two moments. The downside was that Duke lost to No. 14 seed Mercer in the round of 64. And the great moment came when he charged against top-ranked Syracuse with 10 seconds left in the game. Jim Boeheim's subsequent meltdown and exit was due to possible prescriptions to alleviate depression.
3. Dantay Jones (2001-03)
High-flying swingman Dantay Jones decided to take his talents from Rutgers to Durham in 2000. Fortunately for the Blue Devils, Mount Rushmore-level guard Jay Williams grew up alongside Jones and helped guide him toward a future in Duke basketball.
Jones was a great addition to the team starting with the 2001 National Championship, averaging 14.3 points in two seasons. Both Duke basketball teams lost badly in the Sweet 16, but both were very talented groups. Jones was able to earn All-ACC Defensive his team honors on both tours at Duke University, not to mention earning a spot on the 2003 All-ACC First Team. And of course, his dunk against Virginia in 2003 is one of the most memorable highlights in Blue Devil history.
2. Roshaun McLeod (1996-98)
Mike Krzyzewski's first appearance in a transfer game ranks second to last on this list. Coach K was able to acquire 6-foot-8 Roshawn McLeod from St. John's with a commitment to play in the tournament.
McLeod answered the bell, averaging 13.6 points and 5.4 boards in two years with the Blue Devils. His influence paid off, as he was named to the All-ACC First Team as a senior. The 1997-98 Duke University basketball team also featured Trajan Langdon, Steve Wojciechowski, Chris Carrawell, and Elton Brand. McLeod was a perfect fit and took his time helping eventual national champion Kentucky home in the Elite Eight.
1. Seth Curry (2010-13)
Seth Curry came to Duke University after a great freshman season at Liberty University, where he led all NCAA freshmen in scoring. His desire to shine on a brighter stage led him to commit to the Blue Devils, where he became a memorably reliable perimeter scorer in Durham.
He made the All-ACC Third Team in 2012 and the First Team in 2013 as a senior, making it to the Elite Eight before losing to eventual champion Louisville. Curry has had a solid career in the NBA as a sharp-shooting role player and journeyman, currently ranking third among active NBA talents with his career shooting percentage of 43.1.
Also read: Duke reminds NBA Blue Devils of 3-point supremacy
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