Professionals from Duke: Banchero and Tatum Highlight All-Star Voting, and Williams Records a Career-High

The Duke University basketball program has long been a pipeline for elite talent that has transitioned seamlessly into the NBA. The Blue Devils have produced some of the most remarkable players to ever play the game, and as the 2025 NBA season continues to unfold, two of Duke’s most recent NBA standouts are making waves: Paolo Banchero and Jayson Tatum. Both players have emerged as cornerstone figures for their respective teams, and their impressive performances have earned them significant recognition, particularly in All-Star voting.

Meanwhile, another former Duke star, Grant Williams, has been carving out his own niche in the NBA, recording a career-high that exemplifies the depth of talent the Blue Devils program continues to produce. The convergence of these three players’ successes highlights both the long-standing legacy of Duke basketball and the continuous evolution of its alumni in the NBA.

Banchero and Tatum: All-Star Voting

The All-Star Game has always been one of the most prestigious individual honors in the NBA. For young players, it represents the arrival on the NBA stage—proof that they have not only established themselves as valuable contributors but also earned the respect of fans, coaches, and players around the league. In 2025, two Duke alumni, Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic and Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, are receiving significant attention in the All-Star voting process. Their inclusion in this conversation speaks to both their individual performances and the high expectations surrounding their future careers.

Paolo Banchero: The Rising Star in Orlando

Paolo Banchero, the first overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft, quickly established himself as one of the league’s most promising young talents in his rookie season. Known for his versatile scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, Banchero’s combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ set him apart as a player capable of being the centerpiece of an NBA franchise. As the leader of the Orlando Magic, Banchero has embraced the responsibility of being a franchise player while continuing to develop his game.

In 2025, Banchero is one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference for an All-Star spot. Through his all-around game, he has elevated the Magic’s performance, and his efficiency and scoring ability have made him a threat on both ends of the floor. Averaging around 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, Banchero has shown remarkable poise and maturity for a player in just his third season. His scoring versatility, ability to space the floor, and growth as a playmaker make him a highly regarded candidate for the All-Star Game.

Banchero’s rise to stardom also reflects the broader trend of young players entering the NBA with polished skills and an immediate impact. His place in the All-Star conversation at such an early stage of his career speaks to the high regard in which he is held by fans and analysts alike. Banchero’s development trajectory is one that could result in perennial All-Star appearances if he continues to improve his shooting consistency and defensive impact.

Jayson Tatum: A Superstar in Boston

Jayson Tatum, who entered the NBA as the third overall pick in the 2017 Draft, has long been considered one of the league’s premier players. A prototypical wing player with the ability to score from anywhere on the floor, defend multiple positions, and lead his team with maturity, Tatum has grown into a superstar. As the focal point of the Boston Celtics’ offensive attack, Tatum has consistently put up elite numbers and has helped lead the team to multiple deep playoff runs. In 2025, Tatum is once again in the thick of All-Star voting, cementing his status as one of the league’s premier talents.

Tatum’s game has evolved since his rookie year. Initially known for his scoring ability, Tatum has grown into a more well-rounded player, showcasing an improved playmaking ability, defensive tenacity, and leadership qualities. In the 2025 season, Tatum is averaging around 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists per game while maintaining efficient shooting percentages. His combination of skill and versatility makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. Tatum’s ability to score at all three levels—whether driving to the basket, shooting mid-range jumpers, or hitting three-pointers—has made him one of the most unstoppable players in the NBA.

Tatum’s success in the All-Star voting is a reflection of not only his talent but also the Celtics’ continued success. With a roster built around Tatum, Boston has remained a championship contender, and Tatum’s leadership is crucial to the team’s identity. Given his consistent performance and status as one of the faces of the league, Tatum is expected to be a regular feature in All-Star Games for years to come.

Grant Williams: Career-High Performance and Continued Development

While much of the focus in recent years has been on the high-profile names like Tatum and Banchero, another Duke alum, Grant Williams, has quietly been making strides in his NBA career. Williams, a versatile forward known for his defense, hustle, and basketball IQ, has become a key role player for the Boston Celtics. While not as flashy as Tatum or Banchero, Williams has steadily carved out a niche for himself in the league and has earned praise for his work ethic and impact on both sides of the ball.

In 2025, Williams achieved a career-high in scoring, putting up over 20 points in a game for the first time in his career. This performance highlights Williams’ continued growth as an offensive player, supplementing his already established role as a defensive specialist. Known for his gritty play and ability to guard multiple positions, Williams has worked hard to improve his offensive game, adding a more consistent three-point shot and becoming more aggressive in attacking the basket.

Williams’ career-high is a testament to the depth of talent coming out of Duke. He may not always grab the headlines like his more high-profile counterparts, but his contributions are essential to the success of the Celtics. As the NBA becomes more positionless and emphasizes versatility, players like Williams—who can impact the game in a variety of ways—are increasingly valuable. His ability to impact both ends of the floor makes him a key asset for the Celtics, and his career-high performance only adds to his reputation as a player capable of stepping up when his team needs him the most.

Duke University’s Lasting Impact on the NBA

The continued success of Banchero, Tatum, and Williams underscores Duke’s ability to produce NBA-ready talent. Under the guidance of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, Duke established itself as one of the premier programs in college basketball, regularly producing NBA-caliber players. In the 2025 NBA season, players who spent time in Durham are scattered across teams, contributing to the league in various ways, whether as stars, role players, or invaluable veterans.

The development of these players post-Duke also reflects the program’s emphasis on preparing players for the professional game. Duke’s rigorous training, commitment to player development, and focus on building both skill sets and mental toughness have equipped its alumni to excel in the demanding environment of the NBA. Banchero, Tatum, and Williams are just a few examples of how the program continues to cultivate talent that can succeed at the highest levels of basketball.

Duke’s NBA Legacy: Beyond the Court

Duke basketball’s influence extends beyond just its alumni’s play on the court. The program’s success has helped shape the modern landscape of college basketball, setting a standard for what a premier program can achieve. Duke has also maintained a reputation for producing leaders, as many of its former players take on leadership roles both on and off the court. Tatum, for instance, has already emerged as one of the faces of the Celtics, while Banchero has the potential to be the face of the Orlando Magic for years to come. Their leadership, work ethic, and professionalism are just as significant as their basketball talent, and these traits are instilled during their time at Duke.