Blue Devil Country

Three Duke Basketball Products Pose With Luka Doncic in Shanghai

Former Duke basketball one-and-dones Jayson Tatum, Paolo Banchero, and Zion Williamson are touring China together.

Matt Giles

Former Duke basketball forwards Jayson Tatum and Paolo Banchero
Former Duke basketball forwards Jayson Tatum and Paolo Banchero / Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
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Three-quarters of the cast for Jordan Brand's inaugural "China Family Tour" are former Duke basketball talents: eighth-year Boston Celtics forward and 2024 NBA champion Jayson Tatum, third-year Orlando Magic forward and 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero, and sixth-year New Orleans Pelicans forward and former No. 1 overall draft pick Zion Williamson.

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The other NBA star on hand for the tour is Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, teammate to two NBA Blue Devils in veteran guard Kyrie Irving and second-year center Dereck Lively II.

On Wednesday evening, the following clip surfaced on social media, showing Tatum, Banchero, Williamson, and Doncic posing for the cameras and taking in their view of the Shanghai skyline at night:

Of the four players, only Banchero lacks his own signature Jordan Brand sneaker. However, it's likely only a matter of time until the 21-year-old joins that club.

As noted in the press release, the tour is "a cultural experience aimed at connecting Jordan Brand's athletes with the youth of China...emphasizing our dedication to growing the game and culture that Michael Jordan made global."

Duke basketball representation among the Jordan Brand's tour centerpieces is just more evidence that "The Brotherhood" of the Blue Devils has become a global phenomenon.

Their tour, including stops at "pivotal locations" in Shanghai and Beijing, wraps up on Monday.

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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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