So Sick...

Okay, so I hate to sound like Neyo here but I am so sick, so sick of the "myth" that Duke doesn't translate into success in the NBA. Why? Because it's completely untrue, take a look:

Carlos Boozer and Elton Brand are two of the elite power forwards in the NBA, both average double-doubles over the course of the season, and now Boozer is on his way to leading Utah past Golden State in the 2nd Round.

Since 1986, Duke's 1st National Title Game appearance under Coach K, the following players have been drafted in the 1st and 2nd Round:

Johnny Dawkins (10)
Mark Alarie (18)
Danny Ferry (2)
Alaa Abdelnaby (25)
Christian Laettner (3)
Brian Davis (48)
Bobby Hurley (7)
Thomas Hill (39)
Grant Hill (3)
Antonio Lang (29)
Cherokee Parks (12)
Erik Meek (41)
Roshown McLeod (20)
Elton Brand (1)
Trajan Langdon (11)
Corey Maggette (13)
William Avery (14)
Chris Carrawell (41)
Shane Battier (6)
Jay Williams (2)
Mike Dunleavy (3)
Carlos Boozer (35)
Dahntay Jones (20)
Luol Deng (7)
Chris Duhon (39)
Daniel Ewing (32)
Shelden Williams (5)
JJ Redick (11)

Johnny Dawkins is always referred to as the first big-time bust that Coach K produced in the NBA. How so? Over his 9 year career in the league that was cut short because of injuries, he averaged 11 points and 6 assists per game. Sure, he wasn't the superstar he was at the collegiate level but overall that's a successful career.

I think the stereotype revolves around the failures of Danny Ferry. Even though he was before my time as a Duke fan, he was the original hated Dukie and the fact that he was drafted #2 and only averaged 7 points and 3 rebounds per game over his 13 year career really fuels the anti-Duke bandwagon. He did, however, play an intrical role in San Antonio's championship in 2003.

Another guy that everyone loves to pick on is Christian Laettner, arguably the most hated Duke player of all-time and why wouldn't he be? He played in 4 Final Fours, won 2 National Championships, won the POY in 1992, and hit every clutch shot known to man. Everyone says he was a bust in the NBA. How? Sure, he wasn't a franchise player but he played 13 seasons in the NBA and averaged 13 points and 7 rebounds per game. That's a very solid career.

Bobby Hurley can't be considered a bust because of the horrific accident that doomed his career. I don't think he would've been a franchise NBA player but he would've been a servicable PG for many years.

Grant Hill, who is considering retirement this year, is a borderline hall of fame player. He probably won't make it because of the littany of injuries he's endured over the course of his career but he still managed to put up 20 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists per game over his 12 years in the league. If he would've stayed injury free, he could've been the superstar to succeed MJ.

Cherokee Parks was a complete bust and just a failure in life. After a promising freshman season at Duke in 1992, I never really liked his attitude and he went freakin crazy in the NBA. I think he actually got a tatoo of a battleship on his tongue...Ewww

Up to this point in history, Duke players had relative success in the NBA but considering the success of a Dawkins, Ferry, Laettner, and Hurley, you can see where the stereotype emerged. However, let's take a look from 1999 on and see if this really holds true:

1999:
Elton Brand: Over his career, he has averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds a game. He has been a tremendous ambassador to the sport and is amongst the elite PF's in the game today. If he was able to get another big time player, he could lead a team to a championship.

Trajan Langdon: Even the most optimistic of Duke fans were left scratching their heads when the Cavs made him a lottery pick. At best, he was a late first rounder. He was a great shooter in college but that's all his was. The reputation and constant spotlight around Duke may have overhyped him. However, he has enjoyed a very successful career on CSKA Moscow, which has won a number of Euro titles with him as a star.

Corey Maggette: Despite only playing one season in Durham, he's one of the most explosive players in the league. He's averaged over 15 points and 5 rebounds over his career and if he was able to ever develop a consistent jumper, he'd be unstoppable. He's a very good NBA player and he is only getting better.

William Avery: One of these Duke players that Duke fans can't stand. He tried to ride the coattails of Brand and Maggette and a spectacular 37-2 season into the pros and went in the lottery. Coach K urged him and his mother to wait because he wasn't ready and would get eaten up alive in the pros. Avery's mother called Coach K selfish and a liar. Where is William now? I think he's struggling to get time in Tel Aviv. That one is not on Duke basketball...

Shane Battier: The consumate team player. Everyone knew he wouldn't be a superstar in the league but let's face it, he is one of the best intangible players in the league. He's averaged 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and a block per game for his career and constantly guards the other teams best player.

Jay Williams: Sort of a Bobby Hurley situation but let's face it, despite having a pretty average rookie season in Chicago, this guy had All-Star guard written all over him. He would've been an absolute star but he couldn't stay off his motorcycle.

Mike Dunleavy: Ask anyone, I said it then, he went way too high. He was a jump shooter, he was great in college because he had the best penetrator in college basketball in Jay Williams. Even with that, he's averaged 14 point per game for his career and I think he is suited better in a half court system in Indiana than the run and gun in Golden State.

Dahntay Jones: Considered by many around the NBA as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. Problem is that his offensive game has never really developed. If he develops his offensive game, he'll be a starter in this league for years to come.

Luol Deng: Did you see what he did to Miami? He's one of the most versatile players in the game and toughest to guard because of his length. He will be an all-star in this league for years to come and will be a franchise player.

Chris Duhon: Considering he had one of the most miserable junior seasons I've ever seen, you have to feel good for Duhon. He's a very solid PG for the Bulls and plays excellent defense. He'll never wow anyone with numbers but he will hang around the pros for years to come...

I think it's still too early to judge Shelden Williams and JJ Redick. If Redick fails in the NBA, the stereotype will gain even more momentum because people love to hate him. If he succeeds, he will just be another player who disregards this stereotype.