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Duke basketball: 50 best players to play for Coach K

By Matthew Travis

Nov 12, 2021; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski prior to a game against the Army Black Knights at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2021; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski prior to a game against the Army Black Knights at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Best Duke Basketball Players
2 Dec 1998: William Avery #5 of Duke dribbles the ball down the court during the Great Eight Classic Game against Michigan State at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Duke defeated Michigan State 73-67. /

47. William Avery (1997-1999)

William Avery got to Duke in 1997 ahead of the 1997-98 season, and in his freshman year, he didn’t make much of an impact as he came off the bench in each of the 35 games he played in but averaged 8.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game off the bench.

However, Avery’s sophomore season was when he really kicked it up a notch and was a legitimate threat as he started each of Duke’s 39 games, with 14.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, with 1.5 steals per game as well. Avery helped the Blue Devils to the National Championship game where they lost to UConn, as well as earn ACC Regular Season and Tournament Titles.

Avery was also named to the All-ACC Second Team, and the All-ACC Tournament Team before he declared for the NBA Draft. The Timberwolves took Avery with the 14th overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft, but Avery did not become the player many expected him to be and after only three seasons in the NBA, Avery was forced to retire due to tendinitis in his right knee.