Love Him or Hate Him, JJ Redick Is Still A Duke Legend

Mar 9, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard J.J. Redick (5) sits on the ground after being fouled by Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (not pictured) in the fourth quarter at ORACLE arena. The Bucks defeated the Warriors 103-93. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

A player from Tennessee named JJ Redick is easily the most scrutinized player in the history of college basketball since the great Christian Laettner of the early 90’s.

Many assumptions and characterizations of Redick were clearly uncalled for, and clearly made JJ appeal like the cocky, arrogant, over-privilege prep player. Passion, assertiveness, and heart were all characteristics in which this player distinguished on and off the court on a higher platform than any other player in college basketball.

Earning national player of the year, ACC player of the year, and first team all-american were some of Redick’s credentials. Nevertheless, JJ was still disliked by anyone outside of a Duke Jersey.

Why? Was it his exhilarated gestures on the court after his thirty-five foot three-pointers in front of the opponents’ bench on a nightly basis? Or lastly, was it Redick running a 2-on-1 fast break popping a dagger three-pointer and waving to the obnoxious hecklers in opposing crowds?

Arguably all of these instances are a part of why you hate or love JJ Redick. Before being handed the national player of the year award, Coach Roy Williams (unc) said “JJ Redick is the hardest player I’ve ever had to game plan against” in his entire coaching tenure. That’s a lot of respect coming from an arch rival, potentially Hall of fame coach.

In his entire collegiate career, the most controversy came from the Terps, posting a handmade gay slur sign in the student section as JJ shot free throws in a hostile environment, at Maryland. 35 points later Redick got the last laugh. Exploding on the college basketball scene, as a freshman in Greensboro, NC, Redick scored an unforgettable 35 points in the ACC championship game, igniting a remarkable career for JJ. Redick. He was a complete assassin from long range competing with the original “Alaskan Assassin” Trajan Langdon as the best shooter ever at Cameron.

Moreover, Redick and a player by the name of Adam Morrison ( Gonzaga) who also was an outstanding player, put up dual 30 and 40 point games against each other statistically, giving the college basketball scene a showcase for the ages. JJ put up enormous numbers on numerous occasions and while doing so remained a class act on and off the court.

At times, yes, Redick was a streaky shooter and struggled during some durations versus athletic, NBA-caliber, players but still performed like an all-american. Given the nickname “Mr. Automatic” in regards to the charity stripe, JJ led the ACC and remained top 4 in the country. No matter what antics you threw at this player, he performed on the highest levels night in and night out. Not only is JJ Redick arguably the best shooter to ever wear a Duke jersey, but could contend for the nest shooter to ever play college basketball period. Redick put fans in the stands, and obviously put hate in haters’ hearts.

Despite Redick never winning a championship with Duke, he is the current all-time leading scorer in Duke History, and has his jersey hanging in prominent Cameron Indoor.