Calipari and Kentucky once reigned supreme in college basketball, leveraging the talents of high-profile freshmen. The 2010s became synonymous with the term "one-and-done", compelling many programs to adapt, whether they liked it or not. Duke emerged as a fierce competitor to Kentucky, and is often regarded as the top college basketball program in the country. With the spotlight shining brightly on Kentucky's freshmen, Duke was never far behind. Krzyzewski harnessed the power of the “one-and-done” prospect in 2014-15. Remarkably, the decade began and ended with a pair of freshman teammates earning AP First Team All-American honors, with Kentuckys John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins in 2010, followed by Dukes Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett in 2019.
Kentucky vs Duke
Over the past decade, both Kentucky and Duke have each produced three number one picks in the NBA draft. Kentucky's selections include John Wall in 2010, Anthony Davis in 2012, and Karl-Anthony Towns in 2015. In contrast, Duke has seen Kyrie Irving chosen first in 2011, followed by Zion Williamson in 2019, and Paolo Banchero in 2022, with Cooper Flagg projected as the number one pick in 2025.
Title Runs
Coach Cal clinched a national title in 2012, thanks to the exceptional talent of freshman Anthony Davis. Meanwhile, Coach K led Duke to its fifth championship in 2015, with four freshmen contributing 60 of the Blue Devils' 68 points in the final.
“And the kids shall lead”
freshman teammates who each achieved the remarkable feat of scoring 500 points in a single season.
MARCH MADNESS
Freshman players who have scored 30 pts in a NCAA tournament game. Brandon Knight, De’Aaron Fox, Zion Williamson, Jared McCain x2 and Cooper Flagg.
Wooden Award Winners
Anthony Davis, Zion Williamson, and Cooper Flagg. The only other freshmen to do so was a guy by the name of Kevin Durant.
