Durham, NC – April 19, 2025 — Duke University basketball icon Shane Battier has once again made headlines—this time for launching a powerful new initiative that unites generations of Blue Devil legends in an unprecedented show of alumni strength and mentorship.
In a surprise announcement Friday morning, Battier revealed the creation of the “Duke Legacy Alliance,” a program that connects former Duke basketball stars with current players and recruits through mentorship, career development, and off-court leadership training. The program will also support academic scholarships and mental wellness programs for student-athletes.
“The brotherhood doesn’t end when you leave Cameron Indoor Stadium,” Battier said during a press conference at Duke’s Schwartz-Butters Athletic Center. “This is about giving back, showing up, and building future leaders—on and off the court.”
The inaugural event, set for June, will bring back over 40 former Duke players including Grant Hill, Jayson Tatum, J.J. Redick, and Carlos Boozer for a weekend of seminars, training sessions, and community outreach in Durham. Coach Jon Scheyer praised Battier’s leadership, calling the initiative “a game-changer” for Duke Basketball’s culture and long-term success.
“Shane’s vision takes our brotherhood to the next level,” Scheyer said. “He’s not just giving back—he’s building something that will outlast all of us.”
Alumni and fans across the country are already hailing the move as one of the most significant contributions by a former player in recent history. And true to form, Battier is keeping the spotlight off himself.
“I’m just playing my role,” he said with a smile. “That’s what I’ve always done.”
