NBA Players United

Duke Alumni Dish On NCAA Championship

By: Talia Bargil
for NBPA.com

The NBA’s Duke alumni were scattered widely throughout the country when their Blue Devils clinched the 2010 NCAA Championship. But whether they were live in attendance, watching from the comfort of their home or surrounded by trash talking teammates, Dukies had the last laugh.

Quintessential Blue Devil Grant Hill and his Phoenix Suns squad took in the game together at a private room in Scottsdale’s Modern Steak. Needless to say, Hill says he was seriously outnumbered in the rooting-for-Duke department.

Chris Duhon, member of the 2001 Duke Championship team, watched from his New York home. Other Durham notables, including the likes of Shane Battier, Mike Dunleavy, Jr., Dahntay Jones and Gerald Henderson, were in the thick of the action, as their NBA schedules allowed for a fleeting jaunt to Indianapolis.

No matter their location when Duke inched past Butler University in the 61-59 last-second victory, one word resonates among this bunch – pride.

“When they cut down the nets, I was so proud of my alma mater,” said Shane Battier, Houston Rocket, whose No. 31 Duke jersey was retired at Cameron Indoor Stadium. “Duke alumni is a small circle, but it’s a proud one. We are all part of the school and proud to say we are Duke Blue Devils.”

For Charlotte Bobcat Gerald Henderson, it was especially meaningful. After forgoing his senior year and entering the 2009 NBA Draft, Henderson says he went into the Draft well aware this team could go all the way.

“I am so happy for these guys…they are my old teammates and some of my best friends,” he said. “I know how hard they worked, and I love them so much.”

Hill, who led his Duke team to back-to-back championships in 1991 and 1992, says the big win was a pleasant surprise.

“This team came together and won when it counted…they got better as the year went on, and it kind of came out of nowhere,” said the seven-time NBA All-Star and Olympic Gold Medallist. “For all of us Duke alumni, we were very excited, yet a little surprised. And I’ll tell you, I’m just as proud of these guys as I was – and still am – for us. There’s a connection there.”

Looking back on his own 2001 Duke Championship, Battier says he recognizes himself in junior Kyle Singler, a tremendous compliment for the up-and-coming forward.

“He’s a tough kid,” said Battier. “He’s a winner…makes shots when it counts, plays hard, a team player…the way I tried – and still try – to compete.”

Just one year removed from the Duke program, Henderson was reminded of his freshman year after keeping a close eye on young guard, Andre Dawkins.

“I watched Andre learn and get better throughout the season. He had his highs and lows, but is so talented and wants to do really well,” said Henderson. “I had the same kind of freshman year…just tried to continue to learn and understand what Coach wanted and how to play Duke basketball.”

And while many of those who donned a Blue Devil jersey relish in the banter of whose team was the greatest of the great, there is no argument when it comes to the respect they share for Coach K.

“Seeing Coach enjoy his fourth title was a great feeling,” said Duhon, who hosts a basketball clinic at the university each summer. “He’s been through three decades of coaching basketball and is a master at maximizing talent to the highest level.”

Hill agrees and adds that he thinks the renowned Coach has improved and evolved year after year.

“It was clear in this tournament the kind of leader and communicator he is,” said Hill. “His ability to adapt to each team and make it work is what makes him a Hall of Famer. I’d love to see our team play for him now.”

From Elton Brand to Carlos Boozer, J.J. Redick to Corey Maggette, today’s NBA rosters feature a number of Duke’s elite and NCAA Champions from 1991, 1992 and 2001.

No doubt these alumni spent much of March fending off Blue Devil trash talkers, but, then again, they wouldn’t have it any other way.

And like Duhon says, “If you didn’t go to Duke, everybody is against you. Period.”

MORE ALUMNI THOUGHTS ON COACH K
· “He taught me about what it means to be a winner. It’s not about talent; it’s about playing for each other. Duke teams are just that – teams – and Coach K knows how to cultivate that environment.”
–Grant Hill

· “Coach always impressed upon us the importance of going on to the next play, in basketball and in life, without looking back…to take the next step with the same amount of passion and energy.”
–Shane Battier

· “Coach K is a straight shooter, which I appreciated. He keeps things real with you…it’s the best thing because once you realize and understand the situation, you can move forward. He keeps you honest with yourself and creates a culture where he gets the best out of everybody.”
–Gerald Henderson

· “He taught me to be yourself, not to try to be anybody else…you can’t dwell on what did or did not happen. When a moment passes, move forward, but be fully engaged in that moment. I have remained very closely connected to Coach K.” –Chris Duhon