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Blue Devil Country

Knicks employ three Duke basketball products in preseason opener

The New York Knicks-Detroit Pistons game had Duke basketball talent galore.
Matt Giles|
Former Duke basketball guard and current New York Knicks star RJ Barrett (Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports)

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Duke Blue Devils

Three for the New York Knicks. And one for the Detroit Pistons. Altogether, four former Duke basketball one-and-dones saw playing time in the same game on Tuesday night as the Knicks pulled out a 117-96 victory over the visiting Pistons in both teams' preseason opener.

The Knicks trio of NBA Blue Devils consists of 2018-19 Duke teammates RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish plus 2021-22 one-and-done Trevor Keels. And the Pistons rotation includes 2017-18 ACC Rookie and Player of the Year Marvin Bagley III.

RELATED: Ranking all 26 Duke one-and-dones in history

Barrett appeared in potential first-time All-Star form against the Pistons, scoring a game-high 21 points in 23 minutes of action. He added five rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block, and only one turnover while shooting 8-for-14 from the field, 3-for-5 from downtown, and 2-for-2 from the charity stripe.

Reddish came off the bench, played 11 minutes, and displayed one smooth make from deep. But he finished with only those three points while shooting 1-for-6 from the field.

Keels, who went No. 42 overall at the 2022 NBA Draft and signed a two-way contract with the New York Knicks, saw only three minutes, going scoreless after missing his only shot attempt.

Bagley ended up with a so-so stat line in his 20-minute reserve role for the Pistons: six points, seven rebounds, and 3-for-5 shooting.

RELATED: List of every Blue Devil currently in the NBA

Next up on the Knicks' four-game preseason slate is a home game against the Indiana Pacers at 7:30 p.m. ET Friday. Thirty minutes later, Bagley and the Pistons tip off their second of four preseason bouts in their road game against the New Orleans Pelicans, featuring Duke basketball one-and-dones Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson.

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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