Duke Basketball Reveals Odd-Looking Freshman Jersey Numbers

At least three 2024-25 Duke basketball players will wear once-forbidden digits.

Matt Giles | May 18, 2024

Duke basketball jersey numbers / Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

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Duke Blue Devils

Last season was the first since before 1957-58 that the NCAA allowed players to wear any number 0-99; previously, numbers 6-9, either as the first or second digit, were prohibited. But no 2023-24 Duke basketball players were among those to take advantage of the rule change.

Now, there are at least three Blue Devils set to roll out the higher digits next season, the program announced on social media this weekend in revealing the jersey numbers of the six incoming freshmen.

Forwards Kon Knueppel and Darren Harris will wear No. 7 and No. 8, respectively, while center Khaman Maluach has chosen No. 9.

As for the other three rookies heading to Durham, they've selected traditional jersey numbers. The collection's prize, Cooper Flagg, is going with No. 2, and fellow McDonald's All-American forward Isaiah Evans chose No. 3. Big man Patrick Ngongba II will don No. 21.

#️⃣’s for the rooks‼️😈 pic.twitter.com/QAlk0OjsnN
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) May 18, 2024

Presumably, the two returning scholarship Blue Devils, guards Caleb Foster and Tyrese Proctor, will stick with No. 1 and No. 5, respectively. If so, three of the four inbound Duke basketball transfers, guard Sion James (No. 1 at Tulane), forward Maliq Brown (No. 1 at Syracuse), and wing Cameron Sheffield (No. 5 at Rice), will have to pick numbers new to them in college.

Forward Mason Gillis, the Blue Devils' other transfer addition, wore No. 0 at Purdue.

There's no word as to when Duke will announce the transfers' jersey numbers.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI for more Duke basketball news.

Published May 18, 2024

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.