Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Champ Hits NBA Milestone in Career-Best Campaign

Duke basketball boasts a baker's dozen of active 3,000-point scorers in the NBA.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
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Former Duke basketball star Grayson Allen has started all 34 games he's played in his first year with the Phoenix Suns. And the 28-year-old sharpshooter is posting career-high averages across the board: 13.4 points, 4.2 boards, and 2.8 dimes while shooting 46.8 percent from the field, 46.8 percent from deep, and 91.2 percent at the line.

His 3-point and free throw percentages rank No. 3 and No. 4, respectively, in the league this season.

Allen was drafted No. 21 in 2018 following his memorable four-year career as a Blue Devil, including his heroics off the bench as a freshman in the 2015 national championship game to gift Duke basketball its most recent of five NCAA titles.

RELATED: List of Duke's All-Time First-Round NBA Draft Picks

Less than six years later, he's now the program's 38th product to ever reach at least 3,000 points in NBA regular season action. He's one of 13 active players on that list (career point totals below are through Monday's games):

  1. Kyrie Irving - 16,357
  2. Jayson Tatum - 10,869
  3. Brandon Ingram - 8,716
  4. Mason Plumlee - 6,388
  5. RJ Barrett - 5,533
  6. Seth Curry - 4,944
  7. Gary Trent Jr. - 4,294
  8. Tyus Jones - 4,128
  9. Zion Williamson - 3,674
  10. Luke Kennard - 3,668
  11. Wendell Carter Jr. - 3,466
  12. Marvin Bagley III - 3,025
  13. Grayson Allen - 3,012

Orlando Magic forward and 2021-22 Duke basketball one-and-done Paolo Banchero, sitting at 2,350 points in only his second year as a pro, is on track to become the next to join that NBA Blue Devil 3,000-point club.

Grayson Allen passed the 3,000 mark during Sunday's 127-116 road victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, finishing with 20 points and a 4-for-6 clip beyond the arc.

He and the Suns (21-18) look to tally their third straight win when they host the Sacramento Kings (23-16) at 9 p.m. ET Tuesday.

List of Every Blue Devil Currently in the NBA

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more updates on 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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