Duke Basketball Where Aj Griffin Ranks Among Top 3-Point Shooters
When it comes to college basketball, there are few programs as storied as Duke University's Blue Devils. Over the years, the team has boasted some of the greatest players in the history of the sport, and Duke faithful are always eager to see the next superstar emerge. One player who has drawn a lot of attention recently is AJ Griffin, a talented forward who has been making waves with his impressive 3-point shooting ability. In this article, we'll take a closer look at how Griffin stacks up against some of the top 3-point shooters in Duke basketball history.
Who Is AJ Griffin?
AJ Griffin is a 6'6" forward from White Plains, NY. He is the son of former NBA player Adrian Griffin, who played for the Celtics, Mavericks, Bulls, and several other teams during his 9-year career. AJ was a highly sought-after prospect coming out of high school, and he ultimately decided to commit to Duke University. He is currently a freshman for the Blue Devils, and he has already shown a lot of promise in his young college career.
Griffin's 3-Point Shooting Ability
One of the things that has really put AJ Griffin on the map is his 3-point shooting ability. As a high school player, Griffin was known for his long-range shooting prowess, and he has continued to showcase that skill at the college level. In fact, Griffin is currently shooting an impressive 44.8% from beyond the arc, which is one of the best rates on the team. He has made a total of 26 3-pointers so far this season, which ranks third on the team behind Wendell Moore Jr. and Jeremy Roach.
Duke's Greatest 3-Point Shooters
So where does AJ Griffin rank among the greatest 3-point shooters in Duke basketball history? To answer that question, we'll need to take a look at some of the Blue Devils' all-time greats. Here are five Duke players who are widely regarded as some of the best 3-point shooters to ever don the blue and white:
1. J.J. Redick
J.J. Redick is perhaps the most well-known 3-point shooter in Duke basketball history. He played for the Blue Devils from 2002-2006 and set numerous records during his time at Duke. Redick holds the record for most 3-pointers made in a single season (139) and the most 3-pointers made in a career (457). He is also Duke's all-time leading scorer with 2,769 points. Needless to say, Redick is a tough act to follow.
2. Jon Scheyer
Jon Scheyer was a key contributor on Duke's 2010 National Championship team, and he was also one of the team's top 3-point shooters. Scheyer made a total of 295 3-pointers during his career at Duke, which ranks second all-time behind J.J. Redick. He was also known for his clutch shooting, and he hit several big shots during Duke's championship run.
3. Trajan Langdon
Trajan Langdon played for Duke in the late 90s, and he was one of the program's most prolific scorers. He made 331 3-pointers during his career at Duke, which ranks third all-time. Langdon was also a deadly shooter from the free throw line, where he shot 87.7% for his career. After his time at Duke, Langdon went on to have a successful career playing professionally overseas and in the NBA.
4. Daniel Ewing
Daniel Ewing played for Duke from 2001-2005, and he was a key contributor on several successful teams. Ewing made 268 3-pointers during his career at Duke, which ranks fourth all-time. He was also known for his toughness and leadership, and he helped guide Duke to the Final Four in 2004.
5. Nolan Smith
Nolan Smith played for Duke from 2007-2011, and he was one of the team's top scoring threats during his career. Smith made 235 3-pointers during his time at Duke, which ranks fifth all-time. He was also a versatile player who could play multiple positions, and he helped lead Duke to a National Championship in 2010.
Where Does AJ Griffin Fit In?
So where does AJ Griffin fit into this list of Duke's greatest 3-point shooters? It's still early in his college career, but he's certainly off to a good start. As mentioned earlier, Griffin is shooting an impressive 44.8% from beyond the arc this season, which is a great sign for his future. If he can maintain that pace, he could certainly be in the conversation as one of Duke's best shooters of all time.
Conclusion
Overall, AJ Griffin is a talented young player who has shown a lot of promise in his short time at Duke. His 3-point shooting ability has drawn a lot of attention, and it will be interesting to see how he develops over the course of his college career. While it's still too early to say where Griffin ranks among Duke's all-time greats, he's certainly on the right track.