Ranking all 40 Duke basketball teams under Coach K

Matt Giles

Duke basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

From worst to best, how do Mike Krzyzewski’s past Duke basketball squads all stack up?

An annual average of 27.2 wins. Not to mention an average of one NCAA Championship every eight years. One ACC Championship practically every two years. A Final Four appearance roughly once every three years. With such consistency, ranking all the Duke basketball teams since the last new head coach arrived in 1980 presents a daunting challenge.

Plus, while the latest bunch provides a nice even number begging for this ranking, what’s the fairest way to compare Mike Krzyzewski’s 40th to the first 39?

Well, we shall never know how many March Madness miracles the 2019-20 Blue Devils possessed. Seeing that the objective is to find a fitting formula to arrange the 40 in order of overall excellence, the lack of data from this past March poses a problem. So all we can do is project what the missing results might have been and add an asterisk.

Also true, not all of Coach K’s rosters have faced the same number of regular-season games; plus, the schedules have been of varying strengths. On the other hand, those differences seem negligible enough to ignore for these purposes. So here is the comprehensive 100-point scale we’ll use to assign each team an overall grade:

WIN TOTAL: one point per, assuming a max of 40 POINTS
TOP 25 WINS: 0.25 points per, assuming a max of 5 POINTS
WINS BY 25 POINTS OR MORE: 0.25 points per, assuming a max of 5 POINTS
POSTSEASON NETS: an ACC Tournament crown equals 5 POINTS, a Final Four appearance also earns 5 POINTS, and an NCAA Championship warrants another 10 POINTS
CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS: two points per, assuming a max of 10 POINTS
ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS: one point per, assuming a max of 5 POINTS
FORMER MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS: 0.5 points per, assuming a max of 5 POINTS
HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDINGS: the only subjective metric here; we imagine a round-robin between all 40 teams, stack them accordingly, and in quarter-point increments, give to each its corresponding value between 0.25 and 10 POINTS
WINS AGAINST NORTH CAROLINA: worth 2 BONUS POINTS each

Now then, from No. 40 to a slightly surprising No. 1 — and plenty of room for disagreement in between — let’s dive in…

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Senior forward Vince Taylor: 20.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.6 steals
Junior guard Chip Engelland:15.2 points; 53.0 field goal percentage, 87.5 free throw percentage
Junior guard Tom Emma: 8.3 points, 3.3 assists; 82.8 free throw percentage
Sophomore forward Doug McNeely: 4.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 22.7 minutes
Freshman forward Danny Meagher: 4.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 17.0 minutes
Junior forward Mike Tissaw: 2.8 points, 3.5 rebounds; 19 starts

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

Vince Taylor was a legit weapon. However, the rest of the Blue Devils’ arsenal posed little threat. And the results reflected that. A 1-4 start, including a 17-point loss to Princeton. A 1-6 mark across the last seven games, including double-digit losses to North Carolina and Wake Forest to end the forgettable campaign.

THE REPORT CARD

10 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
0.25 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (one)
0 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS
0 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS
0 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
1 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Vince Taylor)
0.5 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Vince Taylor)
0.25 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 40)
0 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC
TOTAL GRADE: 12.00

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Freshman guard Johnny Dawkins: 18.1 points, 4.8 assists, 4.1 rebounds
Freshman forward Mark Alarie: 13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds; 81.3 free throw percentage
Senior guard Chip Engelland: 12.2 points; 50.5 field goal percentage, 89.1 free throw percentage
Freshman guard David Henderson: 9.1 points, 4.3 rebounds; 83.3 free throw percentage
Freshman center Jay Bilas: 8.8 points, 5.7 rebounds; 55.3 field goal percentage
Senior guard Tom Emma: 7.5 points, 2.9 assists, 2.1 rebounds
Sophomore forward Danny Meagher: 4.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 14.0 minutes

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

Another poor start (2-4). A loss at home to Wagner a few weeks later. A 2-8 record down the stretch, finishing with a 109-66 loss in the first round of the ACC Tournament to No. 2 Virginia, which led to a future-altering promise by Coach K to never forget the blowout.

THE REPORT CARD

11 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
0 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS
0.5 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (two)
0 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS
0 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
0 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS
0.5 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Dawkins)
0.5 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 39)
0 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC
TOTAL GRADE: 12.50

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Senior forward Cherokee Parks: 19.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.8 blocks
Sophomore guard Jeff Capel: 12.5 points, 4.1 assists; 46.0 3-point percentage
Freshman guard Trajan Langdon: 11.3 points, 2.1 rebounds; 42.8 3-point percentage
Senior center Erik Meek: 10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds; 62.1 field goal percentage
Freshman forward Ricky Price: 8.1 points, 3.3 rebounds; 14 starts
Freshman guard Steve Wojciechowski: 4.0 points, 2.9 assists, 15 starts
Junior guard Chris Collins: 3.9 points, 1.7 assists, 16.1 minutes per game

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

Coach K’s absence due to exhaustion, beginning with the 13th game, led to a 4-15 record the rest of the way. One blown lead after another. Some talent. Too much youth. Too few leaders. Turnovers galore (Jeff Capel averaged 3.6 per game on his own). Poor foul shooting (67.0 percent for the team, no one over 79.0 percent).

A pitiful year in light of the program’s preceding stretch of seven Final Four appearances in nine years. Even the Duke basketball shot of the year resulted in a loss:

THE REPORT CARD

13 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
0.75 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (three)
1 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (four)
0 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS
0 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
0 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS
2.5 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Parks, Collins, Langdon, Price, Wojciechowski)
1 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 37)
0 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC
TOTAL GRADE: 18.25

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Junior guard Jeff Capel: 16.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists
Senior guard Chris Collins: 16.3 points, 4.6 assists; 44.1 3-point percentage
Sophomore forward Ricky Price: 14.2 points, 3.5 rebounds; 39.3 3-point percentage
Junior center Greg Newton: 12.2 points, 8.2 rebounds; started all 31 games
Sophomore guard Steve Wojciechowski: 3.4 points, 2.7 assists, 0.9 steals
Freshman center Taymon Domzalski: 6.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 20.5 minutes
Junior forward Carmen Wallace: 6.0 points, 2.8 rebounds; 80.6 free throw percentage

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

This version of the Blue Devils had less total talent than its 13-18 predecessor. A knee injury forced Trajan Langdon to redshirt what would have been his sophomore campaign (so we don’t count him in the grading below). Cherokee Parks had graduated.

Yet Coach K was back. Chris Collins bounced back — and then some — from an ice-cold junior year. The fire was there. And a five-game win streak to close out February gave Duke basketball faithful hope for March; unfortunately, an 0-3 record from that point forward dashed it.

THE REPORT CARD

18 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
1 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (four)
0.75 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (three)
0 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS
0 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
0 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS
2 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Collins, Price, Wojciechowski, Domzalski)
0.75 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 38)
0 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC
TOTAL GRADE: 22.50

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Senior forward Gene Banks: 18.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 steals; 57.7 field goal percentage
Junior forward Vince Taylor: 14.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.5 steals
Senior forward Kenny Dennard: 10.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.6 steals
Sophomore guard Tom Emma: 9.6 points, 2.4 assists; 86.1 percent free throw percentage
Sophomore guard Chip Engelland: 6.5 points, 0.5 steals, 19.5 minutes
Sophomore forward Mike Tissaw: 4.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 24.3 minutes

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

A potent trio of experienced forwards. Led by Gene Banks, arguably the greatest Duke basketball player not to have his jersey retired. Outside of Banks, Vince Taylor, and Kenny Dennard, though, the Blue Devils lacked offense — a 69.9-66.9 average scoring margin — as they relied on hard-nosed defense to hang with top-tier foes.

And a thrilling 66-65 overtime win over North Carolina on Senior Night in Durham served as a preview of Coach K’s gradual improvement against Duke’s nemesis:

THE REPORT CARD

17 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
0.75 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (three)
0.75 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (three)
0 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS
0 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
1 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Banks)
1 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Taylor, Banks)
2.25 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 32)
2 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (one)
TOTAL GRADE: 24.75

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Sophomore forward Josh McRoberts: 13.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.5 blocks
Junior guard DeMarcus Nelson: 14.1 points, 5.4 assists, 1.3 steals
Freshman guard Jon Scheyer: 12.2 points, 1.2 steals; 84.6 free throw percentage
Sophomore guard Greg Paulus: 11.8 points, 3.8 assists; 45.0 3-point percentage
Freshman forward Gerald Henderson: 6.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 19.3 minutes
Sophomore forward David McClure: 4.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.2 steals
Freshman forward Lance Thomas: 4.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 14.9 minutes

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

Too many missed shots in the paint by Josh McRoberts during critical possessions. Too many turnovers by Greg Paulus (3.1 per game), McRoberts (2.5 per game), and DeMarcus Nelson (2.4 per game). Too much pouting. Too confident after a 13-1 start.

All the talent — six McDonald’s All-Americans on the roster — simply wasn’t enough to overcome the Blue Devils’ discombobulated, ho-hum efforts that led to losses in eight of their last dozen games. An underachievement.

THE REPORT CARD

22 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
1 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (four)
0.75 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (three)
0 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS
0 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
0 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS
3 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Nelson, McRoberts, Paulus, Henderson, Scheyer, Thomas)
1.25 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 36)
0 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC
TOTAL GRADE: 28.00

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Sophomore forward Danny Ferry: 14.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists
Senior guard Tommy Amaker: 12.3 points, 3.6 assists, 1.8 steals
Sophomore forward John Smith: 11.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 0.8 steals
Junior guard Kevin Strickland: 11.5 points, 4.6 rebounds; 81.4 free throw percentage
Junior forward Billy King: 7.2 points, 1.9 steals, 29.0 minutes
Sophomore guard Quin Snyder: 6.7 points, 3.4 assists, 1.1 steals
Freshman forward Robert Brickey: 5.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 16.2 minutes

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

After a heartbreaking loss in the National Championship Game the year prior, and after saying goodbye to a class that had given Mike Krzyzewski a fighting chance in the ACC in his first decade at the helm, the Blue Devils welcomed an athletically inclined group of freshmen.

And with the leadership of Tommy Amaker, they continued the quest to turn the Duke basketball program into the No. 1 program.

THE REPORT CARD

24 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
0.75 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (three)
1.5 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (six)
0 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS
0 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
0 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS
3 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Amaker, Nessley, Ferry, Snyder, Abdelnaby, Henderson)
2.5 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 31)
0 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC
TOTAL GRADE: 31.75

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Sophomore guard Johnny Dawkins: 19.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 38.4 minutes
Sophomore forward Mark Alarie: 17.5 points, 7.2 rebounds; 57.5 field goal percentage
Freshman guard Tommy Amaker: 7.5 points, 4.8 assists, 1.9 steals, 36.3 minutes
Sophomore guard David Henderson: 13.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists
Sophomore center Jay Bilas: 8.1 points, 5.3 rebounds; 33 starts
Junior forward Danny Meagher: 7.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 27.7 minutes

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

As sophomores, the collection of Johnny Dawkins, Mark Alarie, David Henderson, and Jay Bilas managed to more than double their win total as freshmen. In doing so, dreams of postseason success became realistic.

And a win in the semifinals of the ACC Tournament over No. 1 North Carolina, who had Michael Jordan as a junior, was certainly dreamy. But then the season ended with two straight losses. Bigger dreams would have to wait.

THE REPORT CARD

24 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
1 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (four)
0.75 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (three)
0 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS
0 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
1 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Alarie)
1.5 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Dawkins, Amaker, Nessley)
2.75 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 30)
2 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (one)
TOTAL GRADE: 33.00

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Redshirt sophomore guard Trajan Langdon: 14.3 points, 2.9 rebounds; 44.1 3-point percentage, 89.7 free throw percentage
Senior guard Jeff Capel: 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds; 43.7 3-point percentage
Junior transfer forward Roshown McLeod: 11.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.0 blocks
Junior guard Steve Wojciechowski: 6.9 points, 5.3 assists, 2.5 steals
Senior center Greg Newton: 10.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.1 blocks
Junior forward Ricky Price: 9.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 0.7 steals
Freshman forward Chris Carrawell: 5.5 points, 3.1 rebounds; 57.6 field goal percentage

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

At this point, welcoming St. John’s transfer Roshown McLeod in addition to freshmen Chris Carrawell, Mike Chappell, and Nate James, Duke was back on the national stage after a 13-18 campaign two seasons prior. The Blue Devils began No. 10 in the AP Poll and drifted no farther than four spots from that ranking the entire season.

But even though the Blue Devils earned a promising No. 2 seed, their Big Dance came with a sour ending: an escape against No. 15 Murray State and then a loss to No. 10 Providence.

THE REPORT CARD

24 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
1.5 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (six)
2.5 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (10)
0 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS
0 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
1 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Langdon)
2.5 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Langdon, Price, Wojciechowski, Nate James, Taymon Domzalski)
1.5 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 35)
2 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (one)
TOTAL GRADE: 35.00

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Sophomore guard Grayson Allen: 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists
Freshman guard Brandon Ingram: 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds; 41.0 3-point percentage
Freshman guard Luke Kennard: 11.8 points, 3.6 rebounds; 88.9 free throw percentage
Junior guard Matt Jones: 10.4 points, 2.3 assists; 41.5 3-point percentage
Senior center Marshall Plumlee: 8.3 points, 8.6 rebounds; 36 starts
Freshman guard Derryck Thornton: 7.1 points, 2.5 assists, 26.0 minutes

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

What do you get when you mix a large crop of five-star freshmen with a budding sophomore but fail to stir in a steady presence at point guard? The 2015-16 Duke basketball team.

Lacking leaders outside of Matt Jones and Marshall Plumlee, despite a memorable win at UNC in February, the Blue Devils never fully found their confidence after a January stretch of four losses in five games.

THE REPORT CARD

25 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
0.75 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (three)
1 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (four)
0 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS
0 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
1 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Allen)
3.5 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Plumlee, Jefferson, Jones, Allen, Ingram, Jeter, Kennard)
2 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 33)
2 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (one)
TOTAL GRADE: 35.25

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Junior guard Johnny Dawkins: 18.8 points, 5.0 assists, 1.6 steals
Junior forward Mark Alarie: 15.9 points, 5.1 rebounds; 58.5 field goal percentage
Sophomore guard Tommy Amaker: 8.2 points, 5.9 assists, 1.8 steals
Junior guard David Henderson: 11.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists
Junior center Jay Bilas: 10.1 points, 6.0 rebounds; 30 starts
Senior forward Danny Meagher: 8.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 26.9 minutes
Freshman guard Kevin Strickland: 4.0 points, 1.3 rebounds

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

The so-called “Class that Saved Coach K” was now in its third campaign, hoping to reach a Final Four for the first time under Mike Krzyzewski. Not so fast. Losses in the second rounds of the ACC and NCAA tourneys told the juniors they needed to wait for their senior year to achieve such goals.

As the 1984-85 squad absorbed the necessary experience, Coach K and his staff landed a future program centerpiece on the recruiting trail in Danny Ferry, who would add one more stellar piece for the 1985-86 team; in other words, we won’t be getting to that team for quite some time on this ranking.

THE REPORT CARD

23 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
0.5 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (two)
1.25 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (five)
0 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS
2 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS (Dawkins)
1 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Dawkins)
1.5 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Dawkins, Amaker, Nessley)
4.25 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 24)
2 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (one)
TOTAL GRADE: 35.50

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Freshman guard Austin Rivers: 15.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists
Junior guard Seth Curry: 13.2 points, 2.4 assists; 87.3 free throw percentage
Junior forward Mason Plumlee: 11.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.6 blocks
Junior forward Ryan Kelly: 11.8 points, 5.4 rebounds; 40.8 3-point percentage
Junior guard Andre Dawkins: 8.4 points, 2.1 rebounds; 39.2 3-point percentage
Senior forward Miles Plumlee: 6.6 points, 4.2 rebounds; 61.0 field goal percentage
Sophomore guard Tyler Thornton: 4.1 points, 2.0 assists, 21.1 minutes

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

Austin Rivers was talented. And so too were juniors Seth Curry, Mason Plumlee, Ryan Kelly, and Andre Dawkins. Yet Rivers, while fiercely competitive — as Dean Dome patrons would find out in delightful fashion — was not the ideal personality this team would need from its leading scorer.

ALSO READ: Duke’s five most heartwarming Dean Dome wins of all time

Plus, the squad lacked the necessary athleticism to pose much of a threat in March. So what happened in March? A new kind of low at the hands of Lehigh.

THE REPORT CARD

27 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
1.25 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (five)
1.25 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (five)
0 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS
0 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
1 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Rivers)
2 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Rivers, Quinn Cook, Plumlee, Kelly)
3.25 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 28)
2 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (one)
TOTAL GRADE: 37.75

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Freshman forward Jabari Parker: 19.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.2 blocks
Sophomore forward Rodney Hood: 16.1 points, 3.9 rebounds; 42.0 3-point percentage
Junior guard Quinn Cook: 11.6 points, 4.4 assists, 1.3 steals
Sophomore guard Rasheed Sulaimon: 9.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists
Senior guard Andre Dawkins: 7.9 points; 42.1 3-point percentage; 81.1 free throw percentage
Sophomore forward Amile Jefferson: 6.5 points, 6.9 rebounds; 64.4 field goal percentage
Senior guard Tyler Thornton: 3.1 points, 2.4 assists, 21.3 minutes

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

Two seasons after the loss to No. 15 seed Lehigh, the Blue Devils crumbled again in March, this time to No. 14 seed Mercer. The 2013-14 Duke basketball team, like the 2011-12 version, had a potent freshman weapon as well as some solid sophomores and juniors.

Plus, it managed a satisfying win over the Tar Heels. But it just didn’t have the defense or the bench — only seven players averaged double-digit minutes — to accomplish much after that.

THE REPORT CARD

26 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
1 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (four)
1.5 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (six)
0 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS
2 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS (Parker)
1 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Parker)
3 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Cook, Plumlee, Jefferson, Sulaimon, Jones, Parker)
1.75 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 34)
2 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (one)
TOTAL GRADE: 38.25

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Senior guard DeMarcus Nelson: 14.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.6 steal
Freshman forward Kyle Singler: 13.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.1 steals
Sophomore guard Gerald Henderson: 12.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists
Sophomore guard Jon Scheyer: 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds; 88.9 free throw percentage
Junior guard Greg Paulus: 11.4 points, 3.2 assists, 1.5 steals; 42.3 3-point percentage
Freshman guard Nolan Smith: 5.9 points, 14.7 minutes; 38.6 3-point percentage
Sophomore forward Lance Thomas: 4.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 18.5 minutes

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

Five players averaged in double figures. That said, none averaged more than 15 points; furthermore, even though DeMarcus Nelson was a captivating Blue Devil and great lockdown defender during his four years in Durham, having him as a leading scorer was not a promising sign of a deep run in March.

The biggest weakness of this bunch, though, was a lack of size. Look at the seven bruiser-less names above. Kyle Singler playing at the five at times — as a freshman, mind you — was never going to work out too well in the long run.

THE REPORT CARD

28 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
1 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (four)
1.5 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (six)
0 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS
0 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
1 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Nelson)
4 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Nelson, Paulus, Henderson, Scheyer, Thomas, Smith, Singler, Taylor King)
3 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 29)
2 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (one)
TOTAL GRADE: 40.50

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Senior guard Bobby Hurley: 17.0 points, 8.2 assists, 1.5 steals; 42.1 3-point percentage
Junior forward Grant Hill: 18.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.5 steals
Senior guard Thomas Hill: 15.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.6 steals
Sophomore forward Cherokee Parks: 12.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.0 blocks
Junior guard Marty Clark: 7.3 points; 42.5 3-point percentage; 86.6 free throw percentage
Junior forward Antonio Lang: 6.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.0 blocks
Freshman guard Chris Collins: 5.8 points, 1.2 assists; 43.5 3-point percentage

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

With three-peat dreams in mind, the 1992-93 Duke basketball team had one problem: no more Christian Laettner. Granted, Bobby Hurley and Grant Hill were still a formidable duo without him. And Thomas Hill did all he could to up his game and become a third weapon. However, in the paint, sophomore Cherokee Parks struggled at times in an increased role with all the public pressure to be more like Laettner.

The season just didn’t click for the Blue Devils like it had the two preceding seasons, ending with a loss in the second round of the NCAA Tournament to Jason Kidd and Cal.

THE REPORT CARD

24 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
1.25 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (five)
2.25 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (nine)
0 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS
2 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS (Hurley)
2 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Hurley, G. Hill)
2 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Hurley, G. Hill, Parks, Collins)
5 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 21)
2 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (one)
TOTAL GRADE: 40.50

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Senior forward Dahntay Jones: 17.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals
Freshman guard JJ Redick: 15.0 points; 39.9 3-point percentage; 91.9 free throw percentage
Junior guard Chris Duhon: 9.2 points, 6.4 assists, 1.9 steals, 36.0 minutes
Sophomore guard Daniel Ewing: 12.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.3 steals
Freshman forward Shelden Williams: 8.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.6 blocks
Freshman forward Shavlik Randolph: 7.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 13.5 minutes
Senior center Casey Sanders: 4.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 blocks

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

While JJ Redick was dazzling from beyond the arc and at the charity stripe from Day One as a Blue Devil, he wasn’t much of a defender and still needed to drop his baby fat. High-flying Dahntay Jones took a leap as a senior and was a competitive leader alongside speedy point guard Chris Duhon. Plus, Daniel Ewing was coming into his own.

Ultimately, though, Duke would learn for the first time that a cold night from Redick alone could end a season. The freshmen went 2-for-16 from the field, including 1-for-11 from deep, in a Sweet 16 loss to Kansas.

THE REPORT CARD

26 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
0.75 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (three)
1 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (four)
5 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS (ACC Champions)
0 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
1 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Jones)
3.5 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Sanders, Duhon, Ewing, Dockery, Randolph, Redick, Michael Thompson)
3.5 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 27)
4 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (two)
TOTAL GRADE: 44.75

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Senior forward Mason Plumlee: 17.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.4 blocks
Senior guard Seth Curry: 17.5 points, 2.5 rebounds; 43.8 3-point percentage
Senior forward Ryan Kelly: 12.9 points, 5.3 rebounds; 42.2 3-point percentage
Sophomore guard Quinn Cook: 11.7 points, 5.3 assists, 1.4 steals; 87.7 free throw percentage
Freshman guard Rasheed Sulaimon: 11.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists
Freshman forward Amile Jefferson: 4.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 12.7 minutes
Junior guard Tyler Thornton: 3.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

The 2012-13 Duke basketball squad rivals any of Coach K’s 40 in terms of senior leadership. Mason Plumlee, Seth Curry, and Ryan Kelly were relentless and poised in their efforts. They truly embraced the goal to direct a group of Blue Devils to the Final Four.

Had they not faced eventual champion Louisville in the Elite Eight, that dream might have come true. Overachievers. Currently, they remain the last bunch in Durham to have not included a one-and-done.

THE REPORT CARD

30 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
1.5 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (six)
1.25 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (five)
0 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS
0 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
1 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Plumlee)
3 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Kelly, Mason Plumlee, Cook, Marshall Plumlee, Jefferson, Sulaimon)
4.5 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 23)
4 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (two)
TOTAL GRADE: 45.25

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Freshman forward Marvin Bagley III: 21.0 points, 11.0 rebounds; 61.4 field goal percentage
Senior guard Grayson Allen: 15.5 points, 4.6 assists, 1.7 steals
Freshman forward Wendell Carter Jr.: 13.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.1 blocks
Freshman guard Gary Trent Jr.: 14.5 points, 4.2 rebounds; 40.2 3-point percentage, 87.6 free throw percentage
Freshman guard Trevon Duval: 10.3 points, 5.6 assists, 1.5 steals
Sophomore center Marques Bolden: 3.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.0 blocks
Sophomore forward Javin DeLaurier: 3.4 points, 4.0 rebounds; 64.3 field goal percentage

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

While Marvin Bagley III was spectacular on offense, he did little on the defensive end. Overall, though Wendell Carter Jr. and Grayson Allen had unique defensive skills, the 2017-18 Duke basketball squad had trouble defending 3-pointers. Also, it struggled to keep its foot on the gas after building small leads (a prevalent issue in the program’s one-and-done era).

All that said, the talent alone nearly prevailed but came up one Allen shot short of a Final Four.

THE REPORT CARD

29 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
1.5 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (six)
2.25 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (nine)
0 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS
2 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS (Bagley III)
1 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Bagley III)
2.5 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Allen, Bolden, Carter Jr., Duval, Trent Jr.)
5.25 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 20)
2 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (one)
TOTAL GRADE: 45.50

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Freshman center Vernon Carey Jr.: 17.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.6 blocks
Sophomore guard Tre Jones: 16.2 points, 6.4 assists, 1.8 steals
Freshman guard Cassius Stanley: 12.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 27.4 minutes
Freshman forward Matthew Hurt: 9.7 points, 3.8 rebounds; 39.3 3-point percentage
Freshman forward Wendell Moore: 7.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists
Junior guard Jordan Goldwire: 4.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.5 steals

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

This ranking is neither fair to the 2019-20 Duke basketball team nor the 39 other teams. We don’t know what was in store. We only know how it ended: a beautiful win on Senior Night to sweep the season series over North Carolina. In terms of beating Tar Heels, no other squad did so in a sweeter fashion.

Overall, though, the team might have lacked the experience to get the job done in the postseason; of course, even that is unfair to say given that the Blue Devils had no chance to say otherwise.

THE REPORT CARD

30 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL (adding five, see the explanation in this ranking’s introduction)
1 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (four)
2.5 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (10)
0 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS
0 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
2 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Jones, Carey Jr.)
2 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Jones, Carey Jr., Hurt, Moore)
5.25 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 20)
4 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (two)
TOTAL GRADE: 46.75

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Senior forward Grant Hill: 17.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.9 steals, 1.2 blocks; 39.0 3-point percentage
Junior forward Cherokee Parks: 14.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.2 blocks
Senior forward Antonio Lang: 12.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.1 blocks
Sophomore guard Chris Collins: 10.0 points, 2.3 assists, 1.2 steals
Freshman guard Jeff Capel: 8.6 points, 3.2 assists; 42.1 3-point percentage
Senior guard Marty Clark: 8.1 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.0 steals
Senior center Erik Meek: 3.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 13.9 minutes

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

Without either Christian Laettner or Bobby Hurley, most doubted Grant Hill could lead a Duke basketball team to an April net-cutting ceremony on his own. Well, he almost did exactly that. Yes, Cherokee Parks and Antonio Lang stepped up their play as well.

But there was little else outside of that. Had a moonball 3-pointer by Arkansas’ Scotty Thurman not squelched the Blue Devils’ hopes in the final minute of the NCAA Championship Game, the 1993-94 bunch would have appeared much higher on this list. Oh well.

THE REPORT CARD

28 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
1.75 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (seven)
1.25 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (five)
5 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS (Final Four)
2 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS (Hill)
1 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Hill)
2 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Hill, Parks, Collins, Joey Beard)
6.25 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 16)
0 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC
TOTAL GRADE: 47.25

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Sophomore forward Kyle Singler: 16.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.5 steals
Junior guard Gerald Henderson: 16.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.2 steals
Junior guard Jon Scheyer: 14.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 steals
Sophomore guard Nolan Smith: 8.4 points, 2.2 rebounds; 84.9 free throw percentage
Junior forward Lance Thomas: 5.3 points, 3.6 rebounds; 62.6 field goal percentage
Senior guard Greg Paulus: 4.9 points, 1.3 assists, 16.1 minutes
Freshman guard Elliot Williams: 4.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, 16.6 minutes
Senior forward David McClure: 1.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 15.8 minutes

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

The trio of Kyle Singler, Gerald Henderson, and Jon Scheyer was better than most. But the group was still waiting on Nolan Smith to step into a starring role. And it didn’t help that Greg Paulus had all but disappeared as a senior.

An ACC Tournament title, which had become almost automatic for the Blue Devils during the decade, was sweet; however, a 23-point loss to Villanova in the Sweet 16 was sour.

THE REPORT CARD

30 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
1.25 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (five)
2 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (eight)
5 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS
0 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
1 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Henderson)
3.5 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Paulus, Henderson, Scheyer, Thomas, Singler, Smith, Williams)
4.75 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 22)
0 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC
TOTAL GRADE: 47.50

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Senior guard Phil Henderson: 18.5 points, 1.5 steals; 41.4 3-point percentage
Sophomore center Christian Laettner: 16.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 1.1 blocks
Senior forward Alaa Abdelnaby: 15.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.3 blocks; 62.0 field goal percentage
Freshman guard Bobby Hurley: 8.8 points, 7.6 assists, 1.8 steals
Senior forward Robert Brickey: 11.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals
Freshman guard Billy McCaffrey: 6.6 points, 13.9 minutes
Junior forward Greg Koubek: 5.3 points, 2.7 rebounds

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

Danny Ferry was no longer around. In his absence, though, Christian Laettner had no problem taking on a leadership role as a sophomore. And his clutch gene first became famous due to his buzzer-beater against Connecticut to send the Blue Devils to the Final Four.

The 30-point loss to Nevada-Las Vegas in the title game, however, was telling of the fact that the Duke basketball program was missing one key championship piece: Grant Hill, who would help grant some wishes in Durham the following season.

THE REPORT CARD

29 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
1.25 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (five)
2.25 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (nine)
5 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS (Final Four)
0 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
0 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS
3.5 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Abdelnaby, Henderson, Koubek, Laettner, Crawford Palmer, Hurley, McCaffrey)
6.75 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 14)
0 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC
TOTAL GRADE: 47.75

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Sophomore guard Luke Kennard: 19.5 points, 5.1 rebounds; 43.8 3-point percentage
Freshman forward Jayson Tatum: 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 1.1 blocks
Junior guard Grayson Allen: 14.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists
Senior forward Amile Jefferson: 10.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.9 blocks; 61.3 field goal percentage
Freshman guard Frank Jackson: 10.9 points, 2.5 rebounds; 39.5 3-point percentage
Senior guard Matt Jones: 7.0 points, 1.7 steals, 32.9 minutes
Freshman forward Harry Giles: 3.9 points, 3.8 rebounds

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

So much rookie talent. Too many injuries to start the season. Had Jayson Tatum, Marques Bolden, Harry Giles, and the rest all been healthy as a unit from the get-go, who knows how deep into March the 2016-17 Duke basketball unit might have gone.

Other than the season-ending loss in the second round of the Big Dance to South Carolina and a couple of poor stretches throughout the season, the Blue Devils managed to show off their talents, overcoming deficits to knock off eventual national champ UNC in two of three tries and in beating Notre Dame for the ACC Tournament crown.

THE REPORT CARD

28 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
2.25 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (nine)
1.5 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (six)
5 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS (ACC Champions)
0 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
1 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Kennard)
4 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Jefferson, Jones, Allen, Chase Jeter, Kennard, Bolden, Jackson, Tatum)
3.75 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 26)
4 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC
TOTAL GRADE: 49.50

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Junior guard JJ Redick: 21.8 points; 40.3 3-point percentage; 93.8 free throw percentage
Junior forward Shelden Williams: 15.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.7 blocks
Senior guard Daniel Ewing: 15.3 points, 4.0 assists, 2.0 steals
Junior forward Lee Melchionni: 7.7 points, 3.4 rebounds; 39.6 3-point percentage
Freshman guard DeMarcus Nelson: 6.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 19.2 minutes
Junior guard Sean Dockery: 6.2 points, 2.3 assists, 1.6 steals
Junior forward Shavlik Randolph: 4.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

Mike Krzyzewski had one significant part of a championship equation with three potent scorers. Shelden Williams and Daniel Ewing each poured in more than 15 points per game while Redick eclipsed 20. And that strength paid off to the tune of a 15-0 start. However, nobody else averaged more than eight points.

Therefore, in hindsight, it makes sense that the 10-point loss to Michigan State in the Sweet 16 coincided with a subpar shooting night from Redick (4-for-14).

THE REPORT CARD

27 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
1 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (four)
1.75 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (seven)
5 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS (ACC Champions)
2 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS (Redick)
2 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Redick, Williams)
2.5 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Ewing, Dockery, Randolph, Redick, Nelson)
6.5 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 15)
2 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (one)
TOTAL GRADE: 49.75

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Senior forward Danny Ferry: 22.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.6 steals; 42.5 3-point percentage
Junior guard Phil Henderson: 12.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists
Junior forward Robert Brickey: 11.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 2.2 blocks
Freshman center Christian Laettner: 8.9 points, 4.7 rebounds; 72.3 field goal percentage
Senior guard Quin Snyder: 7.2 points, 6.2 assists, 2.0 steals
Junior forward Alaa Abdelnaby: 8.9 points, 3.8 rebounds; 63.4 field goal percentage
Senior forward John Smith: 7.0 points, 3.3 rebounds; 47.2 3-point percentage

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

As a Duke basketball senior, Danny Ferry was magnificent, as evidenced by his program-record 58 points in a 117-102 win at Miami in December of the 1988-89 season. Watching that must have paid dividends for then-freshman center Christian Laettner. However, while it was impressive that Ferry led the Blue Devils in the scoring department by 10 points, it was also telling of a weakness.

Despite no other frequent high scorers, Duke still clawed its way past No. 1 seed Georgetown and into the Final Four. Gritty. Tough. Floor-diving specialists. That, though, was not quite enough, and the sail ended in a 17-point loss to Seton Hall.

THE REPORT CARD

28 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
1 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (four)
3.25 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (13)
5 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS (Final Four)
2 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS (Ferry)
1 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Ferry)
3.5 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Ferry, Snyder, Abdelnaby, Henderson, Koubek, Laettner, Crawford Palmer)
6 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 17)
2 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (one)
TOTAL GRADE: 51.75

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Senior forward Roshown McLeod: 15.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals; 41.1 3-point percentage
Junior guard Trajan Langdon: 14.7 points, 2.9 rebounds; 88.6 free throw percentage
Freshman center Elton Brand: 13.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 1.3 blocks
Freshman forward Shane Battier: 7.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 1.5 blocks
Sophomore forward: Chris Carrawell: 10.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists
Freshman guard William Avery: 8.5 points, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steals
Senior guard Steve Wojciechowski: 6.9 points, 4.7 assists, 2.1 steals
Sophomore guard Mike Chappell: 7.1 points, 2.0 rebounds; 43.4 3-point percentage

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

Now, just three years removed from a 13-18 campaign, the Duke basketball program was back on top of the college basketball world, ranking No. 1 in the country for 16 weeks of the season. In fact, with the help of one of the best freshman classes of all time, the Blue Devils almost swept the entire conference.

Had Elton Brand not missed more than six weeks of action in January and February, they probably would have. Unfortunately, even though they were healthy by the time they reached the Elite Eight, Kentucky finally got revenge for a certain East Regional Final shot six years prior.

THE REPORT CARD

32 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
1.75 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (seven)
4 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (16)
0 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS
0 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
2 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Langdon, McLeod)
4 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Langdon, Price, Wojciechowski, Domzalski, Nate James, Battier, Brand, Chris Burgess)
7.5 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 11)
2 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (one)
TOTAL GRADE: 53.25

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Junior forward Shane Battier: 17.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 steals, 2.1 blocks; 44.4 3-point percentage
Senior forward Chris Carrawell: 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.1 blocks
Freshman guard Jason Williams: 14.5 points, 6.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 2.4 steals
Freshman center Carlos Boozer: 13.0 points, 6.3 rebounds; 61.4 field goal percentage
Junior forward Nate James: 11.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals
Freshman forward Mike Dunleavy: 9.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

The early departures for the NBA from Elton Brand, William Avery, and Corey Maggette were all at once and the first in Duke basketball history. Fortunately for Coach K, he welcomed another stellar bunch for the 1999-00 campaign while welcoming back Shane Battier and Chris Carrawell.

A team loaded with potential — but plenty of inexperience, as future great Jason Williams would often show — lost only one ACC game and captured the conference tournament title but fell flat in a Sweet 16 loss to Florida.

THE REPORT CARD

29 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
1 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (four)
2.75 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (11)
5 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS (ACC Champions)
2 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS (Carrawell)
2 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Battier, Carrawell)
3 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (James, Battier, Boozer, Dunleavy, Casey Sanders, Williams)
5.5 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 19)
4 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (two)
TOTAL GRADE: 54.25

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Sophomore guard JJ Redick: 15.9 points; 39.5 3-point percentage; 95.3 free throw percentage
Freshman forward Luol Deng: 15.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 1.1 blocks
Sophomore forward Shelden Williams: 12.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.0 blocks
Senior guard Chris Duhon: 10.0 points, 6.1 assists, 2.2 steals
Junior guard Daniel Ewing: 12.6 points, 1.4 steals; 41.1 3-point percentage
Sophomore forward Shavlik Randolph: 7.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.6 blocks
Sophomore guard Sean Dockery: 3.0 points, 1.5 steals, 15.4 minutes

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

One of the most talented collections under Coach K. Five double-digit scorers for starters. A 21-1 start. A scrappy defender off the bench in Sean Dockery. While JJ Redick, Luol Deng, and the gang looked headed for big things all the way to the Final Four, that’s where the journey stopped via a blown lead late in the game against eventual champ UConn.

THE REPORT CARD

31 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
2 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (eight)
2 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (eight)
5 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS (Final Four)
0 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
1 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Duhon)
3.5 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Duhon, Ewing, Dockery, Michael Thompson, Randolph, Redick, Deng)
7.5 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 10)
4 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (two)
TOTAL GRADE: 56.00

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Junior forward Danny Ferry: 19.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.3 steals
Senior guard Kevin Strickland: 16.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.0 steals
Sophomore forward Robert Brickey: 10.5 points, 5.1 rebounds; 53.8 field goal percentage
Senior forward Billy King: 5.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 steals, 28.1 minutes
Junior guard Quin Snyder: 8.3 points, 5.7 assists, 1.6 steals; 44.6 3-point percentage
Junior forward John Smith: 8.1 points, 3.1 rebounds
Sophomore guard Phil Henderson: 5.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.0 steals

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

The 1987-88 Duke basketball team included an encouraging mix of sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Plus, the roster contained the best defender in the country in Billy King. As seen in the video below, King forced Temple legend Mark Macon into a 6-for-29 shooting night; in doing so, he helped the Blue Devils stun the No. 1 seed Owls and advance to the Final Four.

ALSO READ: Duke’s five greatest defensive teams under Coach K

Despite the loss to Kansas in the next game, Duke basketball faithful were delighted to have seen for the first time under Coach K a 3-0 sweep of UNC. Danny Ferry had reached another level of purity on offense. Robert Brickey, as he demonstrated with a game-winning block of Tar Heel guard Jeff Lebo in Chapel Hill, was an otherworldly athlete.

Throw in the consistent scoring of Kevin Strickland and the passionate play of guys like Quin Snyder. One of K’s great squads, indeed.

THE REPORT CARD

28 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
1.5 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (six)
2.25 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (nine)
10 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS (ACC Champions, Final Four)
0 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
1 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Ferry)
2.5 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Ferry, Snyder, Alaa Abdelnaby, Henderson, Koubek)
5.75 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 18)
6 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (three)
TOTAL GRADE: 57.00

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Senior guard Nolan Smith: 20.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.2 steals
Senior forward Kyle Singler: 16.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists
Freshman guard Kyrie Irving: 17.5 points, 4.3 assists, 1.5 steals; 46.2 3-point percentage; 11 total games
Sophomore forward Mason Plumlee: 7.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.7 blocks
Sophomore guard Seth Curry: 9.0 points, 2.0 assists, 1.4 steals; 43.5 3-point percentage
Sophomore guard Andre Dawkins: 8.1 points, 1.9 rebounds; 42.7 3-point percentage
Sophomore forward Ryan Kelly: 6.6 points, 3.7 rebounds
Junior forward Miles Plumlee: 4.8 points, 4.8 rebounds

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

In November and early December 2010, the team in Durham had the makings of one that could potentially top this type of list. Not only had the program returned two of the three major pieces from the previous season’s champs, but it had also added arguably the most gifted recruit to ever land at Duke in Kyrie Irving.

Eight games in, though, the nightmare toe injury occurred. Yet even with Irving out across all ACC play, the Blue Devils figured out how to look like title contenders. It was his coming back that might have been the problem. Nolan Smith had become the point guard in admirable fashion.

Major position shifts and whatnot, all stemming from one player’s return in March, proved too much for Duke to overcome as it subsequently suffered a sudden second-half beatdown from Arizona in the Sweet 16.

THE REPORT CARD

32 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
1.25 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (five)
2.25 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (nine)
5 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS (ACC Champions)
2 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS (Smith)
2 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Singler, Smith)
2.5 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Singler, Smith, Kelly, Mason Plumlee, Irving)
7.25 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 12)
4 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (two)
TOTAL GRADE: 58.25

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Freshman forward Zion Williamson: 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 steals, 1.8 blocks; 68.0 field goal percentage
Freshman guard RJ Barrett: 22.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists
Freshman forward Cam Reddish: 13.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.6 steals
Freshman guard Tre Jones: 9.4 points, 5.3 assists, 1.9 steals
Junior center Marques Bolden: 5.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.7 blocks
Junior forward Jack White: 4.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.1 blocks
Junior forward Javin DeLaurier: 3.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.3 blocks; 74.7 field goal percentage
Sophomore guard Alex O’Connell: 4.4 points, 1.9 rebounds; 37.5 3-point percentage

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

Raw talent alone is not enough. However, it sure is fun to watch. We all know what happened: a wildly excessive number of 3-point attempts despite an abysmal 30.8 percent clip from downtown for the team.

Also, the team struggled from the foul line and failed to find a consistent fifth weapon outside of the four electrifying freshmen. No need to rehash the ending here, though, as the wound is still a little fresh.

THE REPORT CARD

32 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
2.5 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (10)
2.5 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (10)
5 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS (ACC Champions)
4 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS (Barrett, Williamson)
2 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Barrett, Williamson)
2.5 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Bolden, Barrett, Jones, Reddish, Williamson)
7 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 13)
2 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (one)
TOTAL GRADE: 59.50

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Senior guard JJ Redick: 26.8 points, 2.6 assists, 1.4 steals; 42.1 3-point percentage
Senior forward Shelden Williams: 18.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.8 blocks; 1.7 steals
Freshman forward Josh McRoberts: 8.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 1.1 steals
Freshman guard Greg Paulus: 6.7 points, 5.2 assists, 1.6 steals
Sophomore guard DeMarcus Nelson: 7.1 points, 3.4 rebounds; 41.0 3-point percentage
Senior guard Sean Dockery: 7.1 points, 2.6 assists, 1.7 steals
Senior forward Lee Melchionni: 5.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 19.9 minutes

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

Entering March, the 2005-06 Duke basketball team sat 27-1 overall and had displayed one of the most impressive regular seasons in program history. On March 1, however, the narrative changed in a loss at Florida State, followed by a loss on Senior Night for JJ Redick and Shelden Williams at the hands of Tyler Hansbrough and North Carolina.

Still, the squad managed to turn things around in time to snip some nets at the ACC Tournament. However, three games later, in an ugly 62-54 defeat to Lousiana State, Redick put the flame out on his chances of winning a national title by going 3-for-18 from the field.

THE REPORT CARD

32 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
2.5 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (10)
1.5 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (six)
5 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS (ACC Champions)
4 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS (Redick, Williams)
2 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Redick, Williams)
3 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Dockery, Redick, Nelson, Eric Boateng, McRoberts, Paulus)
8.75 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 6)
2 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (one)
TOTAL GRADE: 60.75

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Junior guard Jason Williams: 21.3 points, 5.3 assists, 3.5 rebounds, 2.2 steals
Junior center Carlos Boozer: 18.2 points, 8.7 rebounds; 66.5 field goal percentage
Junior forward Mike Dunleavy: 17.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.3 steals
Sophomore guard Chris Duhon: 8.9 points, 5.9 assists, 2.3 steals
Junior guard Dahntay Jones: 11.2 points, 4.2 rebounds
Freshman guard Daniel Ewing: 6.5 points, 2.2 rebounds; 45.7 3-point percentage

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

Jason Williams couldn’t hit a free throw in the final minutes of close games, proving to be the 2001-02 Duke basketball defending champ’s demise against Indiana in the Sweet 16. And the Blue Devils lacked solid depth in the paint.

But they ranked No. 2 in the country in points per game at 88.9 despite only six players averaging double-digit minutes. Plus, they ranked No. 5 in the country in steals. Finishers. Shooters. Speed. Experience. Had the looks of another back-to-back national champ up until it didn’t.

THE REPORT CARD

31 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
1.75 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (seven)
3.75 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (15)
5 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS (ACC Champions)
2 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS (Williams)
3 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Williams, Boozer, Dunleavy)
3 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Boozer, Dunleavy, Sanders, Williams, Duhon, Ewing)
9 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 5)
6 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (three)
TOTAL GRADE: 64.50

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Junior center Christian Laettner: 19.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.9 steals, 1.1 blocks
Sophomore guard Bobby Hurley: 11.3 points, 7.4 assists, 1.3 steals; 40.4 3-point percentage
Freshman forward Grant Hill: 11.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.4 steals
Sophomore guard Thomas Hill: 11.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 steals
Sophomore guard Billy McCaffrey: 11.6 points, 1.9 assists
Junior forward Brian Davis: 7.6 points, 4.1 rebounds
Senior forward Greg Koubek: 5.9 points, 2.9 rebounds

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

Coach K’s first championship squad may rank the lowest of the five here, but that doesn’t make it any less special. In fact, without the 1990-91 Duke basketball team’s determined revenge effort against UNLV in the Final Four matchup, who knows if the program would have ever won its first natty.

The key to the equation, of course, was the addition of freshman Grant Hill to the already superb duo of Christian Laettner and Bobby Hurley. With Hill’s athleticism and smooth aura, the Blue Devils were able to rid Coach K of the stigma for not being able to win the big one. Simply put, by getting over the hump in Indianapolis, they further set the stage for all the good times in Durham that have followed.

THE REPORT CARD

32 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
2.5 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (10)
2.25 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (nine)
15 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS (Final Four, NCAA Champions)
0 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
1 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Laettner)
3 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Koubek, Laettner, Palmer, Hurley, McCaffrey, G. Hill)
8 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 9)
4 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (two)
TOTAL GRADE: 67.75

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Senior guard Johnny Dawkins: 20.2 points, 3.2 assists, 1.3 steals
Senior forward Mark Alarie: 17.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.5 steals
Senior guard David Henderson: 14.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.3 steals
Junior guard Tommy Amaker: 6.4 points, 6.0 assists, 2.0 steals
Freshman forward Danny Ferry: 5.9 points, 5.5 rebounds
Senior center Jay Bilas: 6.8 points, 4.9 rebounds
Sophomore forward Billy King: 4.0 points, 2.9 rebounds

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

The 1990-91 Duke basketball team may have pushed the program over the hump, but the 1985-86 squad had to come first. Outside of the crushing last-minute loss to Louisville in the NCAA Championship Game and the back-to-back losses in January to top-five opponents North Carolina and Georgia Tech, the record was unblemished.

Three seniors for leading scorers. A heralded backcourt defender as a junior in Tommy Amaker. And a new budding star in town in Danny Ferry. It’s no wonder the team remains in a tie with the 1998-99 team for the program’s most wins in a season with 37.

THE REPORT CARD

37 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
2.75 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (11)
1.5 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (six)
10 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS (ACC Champions, Final Four)
2 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS (Dawkins)
2 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Dawkins, Alarie)
2.5 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Dawkins, Amaker, Martin Nessley, Ferry, Quin Snyder)
9.25 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 4)
2 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (one)
TOTAL GRADE: 69.00

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Freshman center Jahlil Okafor: 17.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.4 blocks; 66.4 field goal percentage
Senior guard Quinn Cook: 15.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists; 89.1 free throw percentage
Freshman guard Tyus Jones: 11.8 points, 5.6 assists, 1.5 steals; 88.9 free throw percentage
Freshman forward Justise Winslow: 12.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals; 41.8 3-point percentage
Junior forward Amile Jefferson: 6.1 points, 5.8 rebounds; 63.1 field goal percentage
Sophomore guard Matt Jones: 6.0 points, 2.3 rebounds
Freshman guard Grayson Allen: 4.4 points; 84.9 free throw percentage

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

There were hiccups along the way for the 2014-15 Duke basketball champs. Fortunately for Coach K, his perfect mix of five-star freshmen and reliable vets provided loads of resilience, whether when sweeping UNC and others in the regular season or when fighting back against Wisconsin at the NCAA Championship Game in Indianapolis.

The rookie talents powered the engine. But the brilliant senior leader, Quinn Cook, steered the ship. All in all, across the final 19 games, the Blue Devils were nothing short of legendary, with the lone loss in that span coming to Notre Dame in the ACC Tournament.

THE REPORT CARD

35 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
2.75 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (11)
1.75 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (seven)
15 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS (Final Four, NCAA Champions)
2 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS (Okafor)
1 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Okafor)
4.5 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Cook, Marshall Plumlee, Jefferson, Rasheed Sulaimon, M. Jones, Allen, T. Jones, Okafor, Winslow)
8.5 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 7)
4 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (two)
TOTAL GRADE: 74.50

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Senior guard Jon Scheyer: 18.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists; 87.8 free throw percentage
Junior forward Kyle Singler: 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists; 39.9 3-point percentage
Junior guard Nolan Smith: 17.4 points, 3.0 assists, 1.2 steals
Senior center Brian Zoubek: 5.6 points, 7.7 rebounds; 63.8 field goal percentage
Senior forward Lance Thomas: 4.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 25.3 minutes
Sophomore forward Miles Plumlee: 5.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 16.4 minutes
Freshman forward Mason Plumlee: 3.7 points, 3.1 rebounds
Freshman guard Andre Dawkins: 4.4 points; 37.9 3-point percentage

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

The 2009-10 Duke basketball team consisted of what many fans would love to see more of today: a starting five of seniors and juniors leading the way.

While experience and size were crucial to the Blue Devils enjoying a confetti party on the first Monday of April in Indianapolis, another key was the emergence of Nolan Smith, who suddenly became a scoring sensation after single-digit averages his first two seasons in Durham.

Also, there would have been no party if not for Brian Zoubek and Lance Thomas finally figuring out and maximizing their roles down the stretch of their senior campaigns.

THE REPORT CARD

35 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
2.25 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (nine)
2.25 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (nine)
20 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS (ACC Champions, FINAL FOUR, NCAA Champions)
0 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
2 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Scheyer, Singler)
3 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Scheyer, Thomas, Singler, Smith, Kelly, Mason Plumlee)
8.25 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 8)
4 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (two)
TOTAL GRADE: 76.75

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Sophomore center Elton Brand: 17.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, 1.3 steals, 62.0 field goal percentage
Senior guard Trajan Langdon: 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals; 44.1 3-point percentage
Sophomore guard William Avery: 14.9 points, 5.0 assists, 1.5 steals; 41.1 3-point percentage
Sophomore forward Shane Battier: 9.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.8 steals, 1.2 blocks; 41.5 3-point percentage
Junior forward Chris Carrawell: 9.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists
Freshman forward Corey Maggette: 10.6 points, 3.9 rebounds
Sophomore forward Chris Burgess: 5.4 points, 3.9 rebounds
Sophomore forward Nate James: 5.0 points, 2.6 rebounds

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

Elton Brand was unstoppable. Trajan Langdon was sizzling. William Avery was sensational. Shane Battier was, on any given night, whatever Coach K asked him to be. Chris Carrawell was another versatile force. Off the bench, Corey Maggette packed quite a punch while Chris Burgess, Nate James, and others were solid enough to hang with the six top talents.

The 1998-99 Duke basketball season, up until the screeching halt in the last minute of the NCAA Championship Game against Connecticut, was like a celebration of all Mike Krzyzewski had achieved and rebuilt in the 90s. Wins by 30 or more were routine.

The average scoring margin of 24.7 points remains more than three points higher than that of any Duke team in history and more than four points higher than that of any squad without Elton Brand (as the 1997-98 group is next at 21.5).

THE REPORT CARD

37 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
2.25 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (nine)
4.75 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (19)
10 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS (ACC Championship, Final Four)
2 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS (Brand)
2 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Brand, Langdon)
3.5 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Langdon, James, Taymon Domzalski, Burgess, Brand, Battier, Maggette)
10 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 1)
6 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (three)
TOTAL GRADE: 77.50

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Senior center Christian Laettner: 21.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.1 steals; 55.7 3-point percentage
Sophomore forward Grant Hill: 14.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.2 steals; 61.1 field goal percentage
Junior guard Bobby Hurley: 13.2 points, 7.6 assists, 1.1 steals; 42.1 3-point percentage
Junior guard Thomas Hill: 14.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.7 steals; 40.7 3-point percentage
Senior forward Brian Davis: 11.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals
Sophomore forward Antonio Lang: 6.4 points, 4.1 rebounds
Freshman forward Cherokee Parks: 5.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, 12.8 minutes

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

All season, the 1991-92 Duke basketball team wore an abnormally large target on its chest as the defending national champ. All season, the Blue Devils viewed the intense hate from outsiders as motivation and proceeded to register what at that point was the program’s all-time longest win streak at 23.

After two losses in February, they began another win streak, harnessing the most efficient and clutch brand of hoops that Dukies had ever witnessed. The streak again lasted 23 games and did not end until the following season.

THE REPORT CARD

34 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
3.25 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (13)
2 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (eight)
20 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS (ACC Championship, Final Four, NCAA Championship)
2 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS (Laettner)
1 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Laettner)
2 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (Laettner, Hurley, G. Hill, Parks)
9.75 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 2)
4 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (two)
TOTAL GRADE: 78.00

THE TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Sophomore guard Jason Williams: 21.6 points, 6.1 assists, 2.0 steals; 42.7 3-point percentage
Senior forward Shane Battier: 19.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 steals, 2.3 blocks; 41.9 3-point percentage
Sophomore forward Mike Dunleavy: 12.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.4 steals
Sophomore center Carlos Boozer: 13.3 points, 6.5 rebounds
Senior forward Nate James: 12.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 steals
Freshman guard Chris Duhon: 7.2 points, 4.5 assists, 2.0 steals

THE SEASON SYNOPSIS

All four losses during the 2000-01 Duke basketball season came at the hands of teams ranked No. 16 or higher at the time of the game. And the countless blowouts by the Blue Devils in between were telling of the team’s prowess on both ends of the floor.

With a nice mix of sophomore studs, seasoned seniors, and a Speedy Gonzales freshman in Chris Duhon, who didn’t mind diving headfirst into the stands seemingly every game, this group still holds program records for steals (411), assists (701), and made 3-point field goals (407).

Also, after cutting down nets in Minneapolis for Coach K’s third national title, after also taking home the conference crown, the bunch ranks third in school history in average scoring margin (20.1) and scoring average (90.7).

Though one could make a strong argument for No. 2 on this list to be the actual No. 1, the grade at the bottom of this report card says this No. 1 stands out from the rest:

THE REPORT CARD

35 out of a possible 40 points for WIN TOTAL
3.25 out of a possible 5 points for TOP 25 WINS (13)
4 out of a possible 5 points for WINS BY 25+ POINTS (16)
20 out of a possible 20 points for POSTSEASON NETS (ACC Champions, Final Four, NCAA Champions)
4 out of a possible 10 points for CONSENSUS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS (Battier, Williams)
2 out of a possible 5 points for ALL-ACC FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS (Battier, Williams)
3.5 out of a possible 5 points for MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICANS (James, Battier, Williams, Dunleavy, Boozer, Casey Sanders, Duhon)
9.5 out of a possible 10 points for HYPOTHETICAL HEAD-TO-HEAD STANDING (No. 3)
4 bonus points for WINS AGAINST UNC (two)
TOTAL GRADE: 85.25

Stay tuned to Ball Durham for more updates, analyses, and opinions regarding all things Duke basketball.

Matt Giles

Site Expert of Ball Durham. Email: mgduke81@gmail.com