Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Alum Scores First Bucket of Third NBA Season

Recent Duke basketball captain Wendell Moore Jr. is in his debut campaign with the Pistons.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball guard/forward Wendell Moore Jr.
Duke basketball guard/forward Wendell Moore Jr. / Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images
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Wendell Moore Jr. enjoyed an underrated Duke basketball junior season, in which the North Carolina native earned All-ACC Second Team and All-Defensive Team honors while taking home the 2021-22 Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Award in helping to power the program's most recent Final Four run.

ALSO READ: Five-Star Recruit Arrives in Durham for Duke Visit

Now, the 23-year-old, who came off the board No. 26 overall at the 2022 NBA Draft, is in his first season with the Detroit Pistons following his trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves in early July.

Moore isn't a member of the 2024-25 Pistons' regular rotation yet. In fact, he logged only one minute across Detroit's 1-4 start.

But in a 128-98 blowout home loss to the New York Knicks on Friday night, Wendell Moore Jr. received six minutes off the bench late and drained what remains his lone field goal attempt as a Piston. He finished with two points, one rebound, and one assist.

RELATED: List of Former Duke Players Currently in the NBA

He's now played 56 regular season games in his NBA career, averaging only 1.1 points and 4.2 minutes per outing.

Next up for Moore and the Pistons is a road bout against the Brooklyn Nets (3-3), including a 2022-23 Duke basketball one-and-done in reserve forward Dariq Whitehead, at 3:30 p.m. ET Sunday.

ALSO READ: Duke Big Man Kyle Filipowski Earns First NBA Starting Nod

Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more updates on active NBA Blue Devils and other Duke basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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