Blue Devil Country

Duke basketball claims lead in former players at NBA training camps

Duke basketball's NBA presence is strong entering the league's preseason games.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball players Paolo Banchero and Trevor Keels (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
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With NBA preseason games beginning this weekend, 28 former Duke basketball players remain on training camp rosters, spanning 19 different teams.

According to the graphic in the program's tweet on Thursday night recognizing the feat, that count of NBA Blue Devils ranks No. 1 nationally.

But upon closer inspection of the generally 20-man training camp rosters across the league, it seems Kentucky is either in a tie with Duke or one ahead. That depends on whether one counts Shaedon Sharpe as a former Wildcat; he enrolled at Kentucky for the 2022 spring semester and practiced with the team but did not play in any games.

Either way, the NBA Blue Devils and Wildcats are running neck and neck in this regard, with a double-digit lead on all other programs, which has been the case for several years.

Of course, playing for a team in the preseason does not guarantee a spot on the opening night roster (15-player maximum) when the regular season begins in a couple of weeks.

For instance, former Blue Devil center Marques Bolden signed a non-guaranteed training camp contract with the Milwaukee Bucks last week. Also, two-way players Trevor Keels and Jack White may not appear right away for the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets, respectively, without injuries to guys higher up on their depth charts.

RELATED: List of every Duke player currently in the NBA

At 5 a.m. ET Friday, the league's preseason slate begins when the Washington Wizards, including former Duke basketball center Vernon Carey Jr., face the defending champion Golden State Warriors in Japan.

That's the only game until 7 p.m. ET Saturday when the Milwaukee Bucks (former Blue Devils Grayson Allen and Marques Bolden) host the Memphis Grizzlies (former Blue Devil Tyus Jones). There are no other games before Sunday. In all, teams play anywhere between three and six preseason games between now and Oct. 14.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country for daily Duke basketball content.

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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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