Duke Basketball Sharpshooter Takes Talents to Atlanta, Begins New Chapter After Two Impactful Years Lighting It Up in Durham
After two seasons of growth, highlight moments, and plenty of made threes, one of Duke basketball’s most reliable perimeter threats is officially taking the next step in his basketball journey. The two-year Blue Devil sharpshooter is now heading to Atlanta, where he’ll begin his professional career with one of the NBA’s most exciting young rosters. The move marks not just a new beginning, but the culmination of a college career that blended consistency, resilience, and development into a pro-ready profile.
For fans of Duke basketball, this player’s departure may feel bittersweet. On one hand, he became a fan favorite at Cameron Indoor Stadium for his cool composure, smooth shooting stroke, and unwavering work ethic. On the other hand, his decision to enter the NBA now — and the fact that he’s landed with a team like the Atlanta Hawks — is a clear signal that his time at Duke served its purpose: developing into a professional-caliber guard with the tools to succeed at the next level.
His game has always been defined by one word: shooting. From the moment he stepped on the floor as a freshman, he brought with him the reputation of a sniper. But unlike many players known primarily for their perimeter game, he offered far more than just a reliable three-point shot. He moved without the ball with purpose, knew how to find open pockets in a defense, and was unafraid of the big moment. As a freshman, he played through typical growing pains but still shot the ball with confidence and poise beyond his years. By his sophomore season, he had emerged as one of the best catch-and-shoot players in the country.
His shooting percentages alone told a story, but the context made them even more impressive. At Duke, he often shared the floor with other high-usage players and played within a system that emphasized team ball and balanced scoring. That meant fewer shots than some other sharpshooters around the nation, but he made every one of them count. Whether it was spacing the floor for driving teammates, punishing zone defenses with corner threes, or coming off staggered screens with perfect footwork, he became a weapon Duke relied on in critical stretches.
Beyond his offensive value, he showed steady improvement on the defensive end as well. While not the most physically imposing defender, he understood schemes, rotated smartly, and took on the challenge of guarding stronger or quicker players when asked. What really stood out, however, was his willingness to do the little things — dive for loose balls, fight over screens, and box out bigger opponents. That grit, combined with his shooting, turned him into one of the most complete role players in the ACC.
It’s no surprise, then, that NBA scouts took notice. His draft stock rose gradually during his sophomore season, and though he wasn’t projected as a lottery pick, he was exactly the kind of player NBA teams value: a low-maintenance, high-IQ shooter who could plug into a rotation and contribute immediately. The modern NBA, driven by spacing and shot-making, is tailor-made for players like him. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective, and he doesn’t force bad shots. He plays within the flow of the offense, makes smart decisions, and has a quick trigger that makes defenses pay the second they sag off.
Atlanta’s interest in him wasn’t random. The Hawks, in the midst of retooling their roster with an eye toward long-term competitiveness, were specifically looking for shooting depth and spacing around their high-usage guards. In a backcourt led by the likes of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray — players who command defensive attention — having a reliable knockdown shooter like this former Blue Devil opens up a world of possibilities. His ability to stretch the floor not only complements Atlanta’s playmakers but also creates driving lanes and opens up the paint for big men to operate.
In many ways, Atlanta is the perfect landing spot. It’s a city with a passionate fan base, a coaching staff known for player development, and a front office that’s shown it values shooting and basketball IQ. For a young player entering the NBA, fit is everything. In Atlanta, he won’t be expected to carry the scoring load but will have every opportunity to carve out a meaningful role. Early reports suggest he’ll be competing for minutes off the bench, with the potential to earn more responsibility as the season progresses. Given his trajectory at Duke, few doubt he’ll take advantage.
What’s perhaps most admirable about his journey to the NBA is how he did it. There was no hype machine, no viral mixtapes or one-and-done storylines. Instead, it was a steady climb — built on daily improvement, coachability, and mastering his role. He embraced the Duke culture fully, never complaining about shot volume or minutes, and always showing up ready to contribute. Head coach Jon Scheyer praised his maturity repeatedly during postgame press conferences, often citing his preparation habits and commitment to team success.
That quiet consistency is what set him apart. While others chased flash or spotlight, he focused on substance. And now, as he enters the professional ranks, he’s bringing with him that same mindset — one that should serve him well in a league where egos can often get in the way of progress. He may never be a household name or an All-Star, but he could easily enjoy a decade-long NBA career as the kind of player every playoff team needs: dependable, efficient, and low drama.
Off the court, Atlanta also presents unique opportunities. The city is a growing hub for athletes, influencers, and brands, and his clean image and strong work ethic could open the door to local endorsement deals and community engagement. Known as someone who values education and mentorship, he’s expected to be active in youth programs and player-led initiatives in the area.
For Duke fans, his journey serves as a reminder that success doesn’t always come with fireworks. Sometimes, it comes from knowing your strengths, improving steadily, and choosing the right moment to leap. His two years in Durham weren’t just about racking up stats — they were about learning how to be a pro in every sense of the word. And now, that preparation is paying off.
There will be challenges, of course. Every rookie faces a learning curve — adjusting to the speed, physicality, and grind of an 82-game season. But if his past is any indication, he’ll handle those challenges the same way he approached his development at Duke: with humility, dedication, and a willingness to learn. In many ways, he represents the new-age NBA role player — highly skilled, intelligent, and unbothered by ego.
As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on the league’s big stars and blockbuster trades. But quietly, in Atlanta, a former Duke sharpshooter will be making his mark — one corner three at a time, one defensive rotation at a time, one smart play at a time. His college career may be over, but the next chapter is just beginning. And if he keeps shooting the way he did in Durham, it’s going to be a bright one.
