In a jaw-dropping announcement that has the college basketball world buzzing, Duke University has confirmed it is launching a revolutionary project to clone 1992 Christian Laettner, using advanced AI and DNA extracted from his iconic Final Four jersey.
Dubbed “Project Shot Reborn”, the initiative is backed by Duke’s medical school, several private tech firms, and what insiders describe as “an undisclosed but enthusiastic billionaire booster.” The goal? To bring back the exact version of Laettner who dominated the NCAA, silenced arenas, and hit that buzzer-beater against Kentucky.
Athletic Director Nina King made the news public during a press conference held at Cameron Indoor Stadium. “We’ve tried recruiting five-stars. We’ve tried NIL. But sometimes, the answer to modern problems is a 1992 solution,” she said. “We’re bringing back greatness. Literally.”
Researchers claim they recovered sweat-based DNA from Laettner’s original jersey, which had been preserved in a temperature-controlled vault inside the Duke Hall of Champions. “It still smells like victory,” joked longtime manager Kenny Jenkins. “That thing could talk trash just hanging on the wall.”
The plan is to pair Laettner’s DNA with neural AI simulations of his game film, allowing the clone to wake up knowing Duke’s playbook, how to hit mid-range jumpers, and how to rile up every opposing fan base from Chapel Hill to Lexington.
“The Clone will possess not just Laettner’s body, but his swagger,” said Dr. Amanda Lee, head of the cloning project. “We’re inputting every smirk, every stare-down, every clutch free throw. It’s not science fiction anymore. It’s Duke fiction.”
Current players had mixed reactions. Star forward Cooper Flagg simply grinned and said, “As long as he can hoop, I don’t care where he came from.” Meanwhile, one freshman whispered off-mic, “Do we have to pass him the ball? Or bow?”
Coach Jon Scheyer welcomed the news, calling Laettner 2.0 “a valuable part of our future dynasty,” and said he’s already planned a frontcourt rotation involving the clone. “We’re thinking small-ball with a dash of sci-fi.”
The NCAA, on the other hand, has yet to approve Laettner Clone’s eligibility. “We’ve dealt with COVID waivers, sixth-year seniors, and redshirt grads,” said one compliance officer. “But a literal clone? That’s a first.”
Christian Laettner himself, reached for comment, said, “As long as the clone’s got my jumper and my attitude, I’m good. But he better not try to beat my stats.”
Fans are already lining up for tickets to the 2026 season, chanting “He’s Back!” in early practices. Whether Duke has gone too far—or just found a shortcut back to dominance—one thing is clear: the legend of Christian Laettner is about to be reborn.
