When you think of Duke basketball, you think of banners, buzzer-beaters, and blood-pumping rivalries. But behind every championship run and every legendary team, there was always a floor general — a point guard who saw the game two steps ahead, commanded the court with fearless leadership, and delivered dagger after dagger under pressure.
At Duke, the point guard position is sacred. It’s not just about assists or steals — it’s about being the brain and the backbone of a powerhouse program. From iron-willed passers to cold-blooded scorers, these Blue Devils left a legacy that still echoes through Cameron Indoor Stadium.
So who’s the greatest Duke point guard of all time? Let the debate begin.
5. Tyus Jones (2014–15)
The One-and-Done Assassin
Tyus Jones only spent one season in Durham — but what a season it was.
Nicknamed “Tyus Stones” for his icy clutch play, Jones was the ultimate closer during Duke’s 2015 national title run. He averaged 11.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, but it was his poise in crunch time that made him unforgettable.
In the national championship game against Wisconsin, with the title on the line, Jones dropped 23 points, including several game-sealing shots. He was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player and became the heartbeat of one of Mike Krzyzewski’s most balanced teams.
One year. One ring. One legend.
4. Tommy Amaker (1983–87)
The Prototype of a Duke Point Guard
Before Duke became Duke, Tommy Amaker laid the foundation.
Known for his elite defense and floor leadership, Amaker was Coach K’s first great point guard. He finished his career with 708 assists and is still regarded as one of the best defenders in ACC history.
Amaker helped lead the Blue Devils to the 1986 national championship game, and his gritty, unselfish play helped define the culture that would fuel Duke’s rise to greatness in the decades to come.
Without Amaker, there might not have been a dynasty.
3. Chris Duhon (2000–2004)
The Silent Commander
While he never grabbed headlines like others, Duhon was the ultimate team-first point guard. He ranks among Duke’s all-time leaders in assists and steals, and was the rock of consistency across four seasons. A national champion in 2001 and team captain his senior year, Duhon’s defense, hustle, and leadership helped transition Duke from one era to the next.
2. Bobby Hurley (1989–93)
The Iron Man of March
No point guard in college basketball history has more assists than Bobby Hurley — and no one in Duke history has a bigger March résumé.
Hurley was the ultimate floor general, leading Duke to back-to-back national championships in 1991 and 1992. He remains the NCAA’s all-time assists leader with 1,076 dimes, and he was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player in 1992.
What made Hurley great wasn’t just the passes — it was the grit. The fire. The ability to elevate his teammates while stepping up when it mattered most.
Hurley was Coach K’s extension on the court — and a legend of the Madness.
1. Jason “Jay” Williams (1999–2002)
Yes, He Deserves Two Mentions
Okay — you caught us. He’s so good, he’s worth repeating.
Jay Williams is the most complete point guard Duke has ever seen. Period.
If Hurley was the general, Jay was the warrior. A stat sheet monster with the heart of a lion. He combined flash and fundamentals, highlight reels and leadership. And he did it all while shouldering massive expectations — and still delivering championship glory.
He wasn’t just Duke’s best point guard. He might be the best college point guard of the modern era.
Honorable Mentions:
Chris Duhon (2000–04): The ultimate glue guy.
Quinn Cook (2011–15): A mentor to Tyus, and a key piece of the 2015 title team.
Tre Jones (2018–20): Defensive bulldog and ACC Player of the Year in 2020.
The point guard spot at Duke isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s for the floor generals, the decision-makers, the clutch-shot killers. It’s where legends are born and banners are won.
Disagree with our list? Think Tre Jones deserves a top-five nod? Want to swap Tyus for Duhon?
🔥 Drop your thoughts in the comments and tag your Duke fan crew. Let the debate begin.
