Favorite Player Poll #7 of 8 (Multiple choice poll)

[JasonEvans]

You know the drill by now. If you don't, consult the Ultimate Fan Poll thread at the top of the page.

--Jason "4th place in this poll is going to be really interesting" Evans

[JasonEvans]

I see three no-brainer votes here-- 3 of the all-time greats at in this poll. But for the 4th vote, I went with someone who should be a no-brainer... Billy King. He was simply the finest defensive ballplayer I have ever seen. And yes, I am including the sublime Shane Battier in that statement. Billy's lockdown ability one-on-one was something truly special to behold.

To this day, Marc Macon still wakes up screaming with nightmares about vbeing guarded by Billy King. Have you ever heard of one player ruining another player's career with one game of defense? If not, you should watch the 1988 Great 8 game again. At the time, Macon was considered the finest offensive freshman to hit college ball in decades. He was never the same.

--Jason "Shel, JD, and Mr. Clutch are easy picks... but don't forget to vote for Billy!!" Evans

[Bluedog]

I know it's early but....how can only 58% of people be voting for Laettner?!?!? Am I missing something? And two min ago it was 50%. WHAAA?

[EarlJam]

I know it's early but....how can only 58% of people be voting for Laettner?!?!? Am I missing something? And two min ago it was 50%. WHAAA?

Agreed. I know it is what it is, but dayyyyyyyyymn. Laettner is a Duke GOD! There should be a freakin' statue of him out in front of Cameron.

-EarlJam

[JBDuke]

This was a very tough poll for me.

Shelden and Johnny are two rafter-hangers that were also favorites of mine. I just loved watching Shelden's game grow and mature over the four years he was at Duke, but as much as that, I appreciated the way he silenced the haters that wanted to drag him down due to that hotel incident before he enrolled. He did it not by angry defiance, but by quiet demonstration of his sterling character. Best post defender I recall in Duke history, too. How much fun would it be to watch a Duke defensive squad with Shelden, Shane, Grant, Billy, and Tommy? Would anybody ever score? :-)

And then there's JD. I did not grow up a Duke fan, so my love for Duke really started when I decided I wanted to go there in my junior year of HS. My freshman year was 1986, when K's first team was having its great run. Johnny was the unquestioned leader on the court. Watching Johnny play is one of the reasons I've been the passionate Duke fan I am. I still vividly remember that block on David Rivers to preserve the win over Notre Dame, as well as a hundred other JD moments that season. And, on top of his play, he's a prince of a man. Gotta have JD on the list.

Interestingly enough, the other retired jersey on the list, Christian, is not one of my favorites. Oh, I love that he was on my team. He's probably the greatest player in Duke history, and if I'm picking a team to win a game, he's my first pick. But he was also an arrogant jerk. "Best", yes, "Favorite", no.

Lee, David, and Carmen are all favorites of mine as well. Carmen never elevated to be more than a role-player. Lee made it to the starting lineup, but was never more than the third banana. And David - well, he still has two years left, so we don't know where he'll end up, but he's already my favorite player on the current team. All of these guys are players that don't have superstar talent, but that gave (or still give) everything they've got when they're on the floor. They're energy guys, going after loose balls, fighting for rebounds, what have you. I love those kind of guys. And how great is it when they come though in a clutch moment? Dave's basket against Clemson was perhaps my favorite moment from last season.

And then there's Billy King. I agree with Jason - he's the best one-on-one defender I've seen play at Duke. His shot may have been ugly, but his D was beautiful. On top of that, he's another man of impeccable character. I met Billy during one of my pre-enrollment trips to Duke. My family and I were touring campus, and we stopped by Cameron. Billy was there practicing free throws, (He needed the practice!) and he stopped to chat with us for a while. Just a classy individual.

So, I ended up voting for six this poll.

[Indoor66]

This was a very tough poll for me.

Shelden and Johnny are two rafter-hangers that were also favorites of mine. I just loved watching Shelden's game grow and mature over the four years he was at Duke, but as much as that, I appreciated the way he silenced the haters that wanted to drag him down due to that hotel incident before he enrolled. He did it not by angry defiance, but by quiet demonstration of his sterling character. Best post defender I recall in Duke history, too. How much fun would it be to watch a Duke defensive squad with Shelden, Shane, Grant, Billy, and Tommy? Would anybody ever score? :-)

And then there's JD. I did not grow up a Duke fan, so my love for Duke really started when I decided I wanted to go there in my junior year of HS. My freshman year was 1986, when K's first team was having its great run. Johnny was the unquestioned leader on the court. Watching Johnny play is one of the reasons I've been the passionate Duke fan I am. I still vividly remember that block on David Rivers to preserve the win over Notre Dame, as well as a hundred other JD moments that season. And, on top of his play, he's a prince of a man. Gotta have JD on the list.

Interestingly enough, the other retired jersey on the list, Christian, is not one of my favorites. Oh, I love that he was on my team. He's probably the greatest player in Duke history, and if I'm picking a team to win a game, he's my first pick. But he was also an arrogant jerk. "Best", yes, "Favorite", no.

Lee, David, and Carmen are all favorites of mine as well. Carmen never elevated to be more than a role-player. Lee made it to the starting lineup, but was never more than the third banana. And David - well, he still has two years left, so we don't know where he'll end up, but he's already my favorite player on the current team. All of these guys are players that don't have superstar talent, but that gave (or still give) everything they've got when they're on the floor. They're energy guys, going after loose balls, fighting for rebounds, what have you. I love those kind of guys. And how great is it when they come though in a clutch moment? Dave's basket against Clemson was perhaps my favorite moment from last season.

And then there's Billy King. I agree with Jason - he's the best one-on-one defender I've seen play at Duke. His shot may have been ugly, but his D was beautiful. On top of that, he's another man of impeccable character. I met Billy during one of my pre-enrollment trips to Duke. My family and I were touring campus, and we stopped by Cameron. Billy was there practicing free throws, (He needed the practice!) and he stopped to chat with us for a while. Just a classy individual.

So, I ended up voting for six this poll.

...and some of us loved to watch Jack Marin loft jump shots from the corner, handle the ball and mix it up. If he played today he would be a 3 point specialist.

[monkey]

CAR - MEN - WALL - ACE (Clap, Clap, clap-clap-clap)!

He is the very epitome of a fan favorite. He should be - nay needs be - honored in this poll.

I encourage everyone to vote accordingly...

[riverside6]

Yep, I voted for Carmen Wallace (http://www.scacchoops.com/forms/players.asp?search=carmen wallace). The guy was a freakish athlete and such a bright and engaging person. How could you not enjoy watching the guy?

[DukieInKansas]

I was waiting for this pole to vote for him.

I've always wished I had taped, and kept, the Notre Dame game where he guarded David Rivers. If I remember correctly, Rivers was supposedly one of the best offensive players in the game at the time. King held Rivers to 9 pts (he averaged 23) and Rivers fouled out. I would like to watch that game again. (Don't dash my memories if I have it wrong - just steer me to a tape of the game.)

[JasonEvans]

14% of us have not voted for Dawkins
25% have not voted for Laettner

I know it is "favorite" not "best" and all, but it is unfathomable to me that 14% of Duke fans don't think Johnny Dawkins is among their favorites of all-time. No one aside from Coach K himself is more responsible for the juggernaut that Duke has become than JD. The only other player who even comes close to JD's impact, in my opinion, is Laettner-- the horse we rode to 2 national titles.

Of course, unlike Laettner, JD was a quiet, humble, and eminently likeable dude. I guess I understand folks who think Christian was a jerk (but he was OUR jerk!!!) but what is the logic behind not voting for JD?!?! Someone in the 14%, please explain this to me.

As an aside, I think it was Laettner's jerkiness that made him such a great player. Much like a certain baby blue stud named Jordan, Laettner was just enough of a jerk to refuse to lose. Personally, I loved him. He brought many a giddy smile to my face. I have not decided who my all-time favorite is, but he is certainly in the conversation.

--Jason "anyone who breaks UConn's heart is a favorite!!" Evans

[Jumbo]

You know the drill by now. If you don't, consult the Ultimate Fan Poll thread at the top of the page.

--Jason "4th place in this poll is going to be really interesting" Evans

I'm not sure you could have done a worse job in spreading out the talent among eight groups. It's simply stunning.

Much love.
Your buddy,
Jumbo

[JasonEvans]

I was waiting for this pole to vote for him.

I've always wished I had taped, and kept, the Notre Dame game where he guarded David Rivers. If I remember correctly, Rivers was supposedly one of the best offensive players in the game at the time. King held Rivers to 9 pts (he averaged 23) and Rivers fouled out. I would like to watch that game again. (Don't dash my memories if I have it wrong - just steer me to a tape of the game.)

"Pole".. giggle.

The date was Feb 7, 1988 and David Rivers was a stud and a half for ND. He was a senior who averaged 22 ppg that season and almost 6 assists a game. He would go on to be a first round draft pick of the LA Lakers.

With Billy King in his jock all night, he scored 9 points on 3-17 shooting (he did hit 3-4 FTs) with 2 assists and 4 turnovers. A couple of his Irish teammates were on fire that day (including Joe Frederick, who went for 23 points) to keep ND in it, but without their leader the Irish faded in the 2nd half and lost to Duke 70-61.

While I am at it, The stats from the famous Temple game deserve mention. Marc Macon scored 13 points on... wait for it... 6-29 shooting. Gaaack!! 29 shots to score 13 points?!?!? Are you kidding me??!?! If memory serves, he got 6 of those point in the final minute or two when the game was pretty much out of reach. Billy King scored 4 points in that game with 3 rebounds. Danny Ferry went for 20 and led the team in assists, Kevin Strickland put up 21, Quin had 8 rebounds and only 1 turnover. Guess who won the game MVP? Yup, Billy King.

-Jason "you know, if Billy makes the round of 32 and is matched up against a fairly high seed, it is going to be a tough choice for me!" Evans

[JasonEvans]

I'm not sure you could have done a worse job in spreading out the talent among eight groups. It's simply stunning.

Much love.
Your buddy,
Jumbo

Dude, it was random! Cut me some slack:(

I figure with 4 guys moving on from each poll, no one has too much room to complain. Is there anyone who you think would have made the Sweet 16 who has been eliminated so far?

--Jason

[Tommac]

I voted for Steve Vacendak, wanting to show some respect to some of the older players who many never got to see play.

[micah75]

I think these polls are great, Jason, and you're doing a mighty fine job. There would probably be a few who would complain no matter how it was set up.

And I agree 100% about Laettner. I don't think of him as a jerk as some do, but more of a bad**s. The guy was a flat out winner. Sure, personality and behind-the-scenes stuff counts for something in these polls (see David Henderson), but when it comes to needing a clutch basket and needing a huge play for Duke to win, and not just win, but win the whole kitnkaboodle, he was one of my all-time favorites. Sure, a cheerful personality counts for a lot, but ultimately I prefer seeing Duke playing in Final Fours.... and winning. He may have been tough on his teammates, but he led by example. He walked the walk. He is one of my all-time favorites, although when it comes right down to it, Hurley may get the slight nod as all-time fave, although I'm not quite ready to make that decision just yet.

[Indoor66]

I think these polls are great, Jason, and you're doing a mighty fine job. There would probably be a few who would complain no matter how it was set up.

And I agree 100% about Laettner. I don't think of him as a jerk as some do, but more of a bad**s. The guy was a flat out winner. Sure, personality and behind-the-scenes stuff counts for something in these polls (see David Henderson), but when it comes to needing a clutch basket and needing a huge play for Duke to win, and not just win, but win the whole kitnkaboodle, he was one of my all-time favorites. Sure, a cheerful personality counts for a lot, but ultimately I prefer seeing Duke playing in Final Fours.... and winning. He may have been tough on his teammates, but he led by example. He walked the walk. He is one of my all-time favorites, although when it comes right down to it, Hurley may get the slight nod as all-time fave, although I'm not quite ready to make that decision just yet.

Actually, I think you should re-shuffle the deck and run the poll over. :) :) :p

[EarlJam]

As an aside, I think it was Laettner's jerkiness that made him such a great player. Much like a certain baby blue stud named Jordan, Laettner was just enough of a jerk to refuse to lose. Personally, I loved him. He brought many a giddy smile to my face. I have not decided who my all-time favorite is, but he is certainly in the conversation.

--Jason "anyone who breaks UConn's heart is a favorite!!" Evans

Very well said Jason! I always go back and forth as to who my favorite all-time Duke player is, Hurley (quiet and cocky himself); or Laettner. Very even in my book. Dawkins gets thrown in there too but would probably be third on my list of all-time favs (just didn't know as much about him as Hurley and Laettner but recognize that Dawkins and that entire class of '86 was largely responsible for the '91 championship and continuing success).

-EarlJam

[EarlJam]

He may have been tough on his teammates, but he led by example. He walked the walk. He is one of my all-time favorites, although when it comes right down to it, Hurley may get the slight nod as all-time fave, although I'm not quite ready to make that decision just yet.

Led by example indeed...and worked his but off to overcome challenges. Missed that big free throw against Arizona and could have hung his head. Instead, he goes on to be one of the best FT shooters in the league and swishes two to sink UNLV in 1991. Laettner saw challenge as opportunity. And yes, he was a Bad A**.

VOTE LAETTNER!

-EarlJam

[mapei]

I know it is "favorite" not "best" and all, but it is unfathomable to me that 14% of Duke fans don't think Johnny Dawkins is among their favorites of all-time. . . . what is the logic behind not voting for JD?!?! Someone in the 14%, please explain this to me.

Maybe it's because people are different ages, not everyone followed JD's career? I didn't follow Duke basketball back then (not because I'm too young, I just had other things to do back then and got the bug later). I still voted for him, though, because of who he is and his stats.

I also voted for Shelden and McClure. Laettner remains the best college basketball player I have ever seen, but he didn't get my vote for the same reasons as JB stated.

I really wish I had been paying attention when Billy King was playing. He sounds like my kind of guy.

[SilkyJ]

Maybe it's because people are different ages, not everyone followed JD's career? I didn't follow Duke basketball back then (not because I'm too young, I just had other things to do back then and got the bug later). I still voted for him, though, because of who he is and his stats.

I also voted for Shelden and McClure. Laettner remains the best college basketball player I have ever seen, but he didn't get my vote for the same reasons as JB stated.

I really wish I had been paying attention when Billy King was playing. He sounds like my kind of guy.

I guess, but I was born in '84 and I would put him in my top 5 of all time. No question.

I really don't understand how 21% of people have STILL omitted Christian. Are you kidding me!?!?!? Everytime they show the shot on TV I get butterflies as the ball flies from grant's hand, and I almost always scream YES!!!!!!! as he hits the shot. I would have Laettner's babies. And I'm a guy. And straight...I swear.

[77devil]

Had to give a sentimental vote for George Moses. The guy was like 35.

And Jason, how about adding my friend Mark Crow to the last list. 1977 team co-captian, NBA drafted, one year with the Nets, and great fun off the court.

[DukeDude]

But for the 4th vote, I went with someone who should be a no-brainer... Billy King.

Lots of Sixers fans think BK is a no-brainer as well. ;)

Everyone should vote for Laettner! Laettner made Duke into DUKE. He made K into a hall-of-famer. He may be the last person to have totally dominated Shaq. There are only 3 national championship banners in Cameron and 2 wouldn't be there without the arrogant prick. I love the guy!

[77devil]

I I would have Laettner's babies. And I'm a guy. And straight...I swear.

Yo surfer dude - That's over the top.:D

[Wander]

Melchioni having only a dozen or so votes is far more surprising than some people not voting for Laettner.

[throatybeard]

Laettner made Duke into DUKE.!

That's just silly. This was a great program long before Laettner.

[throatybeard]

Dude, it was random! Cut me some slack:(

I figure with 4 guys moving on from each poll, no one has too much room to complain. Is there anyone who you think would have made the Sweet 16 who has been eliminated so far?

--Jason

Only David Henderson. Brickey and Davis made it, right?

And the people not voting for JD are in the Hannah Montana demo, that's my only explanation for that.

[mapei]

I do think Christian had something to do with making Duke the team people hate. Before him in the K era, Duke was seen as the team that did everything right, had great kids, good students, etc. Maybe that was always a caricature, but after Christian people started thinking of us as the team that pretended to be those things but wasn't, really. (BTW, I'm not saying CL was the only factor in this, just a highly visible one at a pivotal time.)

I take nothing away from him as a player. And he definitely made Duke into a champion. But whether he's your "favorite" may depend on priorities.

[Lord Ash]

As a few people have said, this is about your FAVORITE player. I would never, EVER say that I like Christian more than SHANE. Come on. Both brought titles, but one did it with three defensive player of the year awards, charm, a sense of self and with a humble way about him. That speaks VOLUMES to me.

I didn't vote for JD only because I didn't see him play. I have only voted a couple of times in each poll, and usually just for the guys either I was there for or who I saw and just missed (Hurley and yes, Christian.)

Oh, and I did vote for Carmen. I loved him.

[SilkyJ]

Had to give a sentimental vote for George Moses. The guy was like 35.

And Jason, how about adding my friend Mark Crow to the last list. 1977 team co-captian, NBA drafted, one year with the Nets, and great fun off the court.

Jason closed the list a long time ago....and I don't think crowbar would get any votes outside of our family


Yo surfer dude - That's over the top.:D

Nonsense!


That's just silly. This was a great program long before Laettner.

Yea, but we didn't have any NCs...which, uh, he kinda led us to two of them...and 4 straight FFs...

[Lord Ash]

I admit, I am surprised that Shelden is getting so many votes!

[jipops]

I admit, I am surprised that Shelden is getting so many votes!

Why? Name a more dominating defensive post presence that has ever played for Duke. Couple that with the fact that he is such a soft-spoken class guy, seems like a no-brainer to me.

[Lord Ash]

I am surprised that he is beating Billy King by so much, and some of the other older guys in other polls... it just feels a little bit like a "most recent player" sort of thing. I certainly like Shelden, but favorite Dukie ever? Or even top 20? Ehhh...

[mapei]

Why? Name a more dominating defensive post presence that has ever played for Duke. Couple that with the fact that he is such a soft-spoken class guy, seems like a no-brainer to me.

Yep. Also a four-year starter IIRC.

[JasonEvans]

As we move over 100 total votes cast, I'll probably close this poll in the next few hours and get the final preliminary-round poll started. Depending on how many folks visit the boards over the weekend, I will probably be able to start our first Round-of-32 polls on Monday!! Woo hoo!!!

Barring a strong, strong move from Jack Marin, this poll is a done deal anyway.

--Jason "I will run 2 round-of-32 polls a day to get this thing moving faster" Evans

[Lord Ash]

Yay on the 2-a-days!

Hm, never said THAT before.

[micah75]

As a few people have said, this is about your FAVORITE player. I would never, EVER say that I like Christian more than SHANE. Come on. Both brought titles, but one did it with three defensive player of the year awards, charm, a sense of self and with a humble way about him. That speaks VOLUMES to me.

You make a strong case for Shane, no doubt, and he was a very very special player and a fan favorite. Christian may not win this poll, but I hope that his on-the-court "lack of charm/humility" doesn't count against him. This poll, as you mentioned, is for FAVORITE player, not "most humble player." Dale Earnhardt wasn't exactly known for being "Mr. Nice Guy" while he was competing, yet he was clearly loved by millions. Same for Muhammed Ali, and as someone pointed out, Michael Jordan. There may be all sorts of subjective factors in determining one's favorite. If you enjoy high drama, clutch shots, the will to win, watching your team claw its way into Final Fours, the thrill of victory, and so on, Christian has to be high on the list for most Duke fans. But again, that's a subjective affair. One man's food is another man's poison.

[Indoor66]

You make a strong case for Shane, no doubt, and he was a very very special player and a fan favorite. Christian may not win this poll, but I hope that his on-the-court "lack of charm/humility" doesn't count against him. This poll, as you mentioned, is for FAVORITE player, not "most humble player." Dale Earnhardt wasn't exactly known for being "Mr. Nice Guy" while he was competing, yet he was clearly loved by millions. Same for Muhammed Ali, and as someone pointed out, Michael Jordan. There may be all sorts of subjective factors in determining one's favorite. If you enjoy high drama, clutch shots, the will to win, watching your team claw its way into Final Fours, the thrill of victory, and so on, Christian has to be high on the list for most Duke fans. But again, that's a subjective affair. One man's food is another man's poison.

Memories quickly fade and the young get older. Favorite is kind of a flavor of the month.

[EarlJam]

You make a strong case for Shane, no doubt, and he was a very very special player and a fan favorite. Christian may not win this poll, but I hope that his on-the-court "lack of charm/humility" doesn't count against him. This poll, as you mentioned, is for FAVORITE player, not "most humble player." Dale Earnhardt wasn't exactly known for being "Mr. Nice Guy" while he was competing, yet he was clearly loved by millions. Same for Muhammed Ali, and as someone pointed out, Michael Jordan. There may be all sorts of subjective factors in determining one's favorite. If you enjoy high drama, clutch shots, the will to win, watching your team claw its way into Final Fours, the thrill of victory, and so on, Christian has to be high on the list for most Duke fans. But again, that's a subjective affair. One man's food is another man's poison.

And Laettner IS a class guy. He and Davis have given so much back to the Durham community - and no telling how many other charities. Everything Christian does he does with passion and a will to win. If he was classless, a bad human being and such, I doubt that he would still have the incredible respect of Coach K.

Laettner's legacy is being the leader of the Monkey Removal Squad. There was a fairly large one hanging all over Coach K's back in March, 1991. Then we flip to 1992. The Shot. And then giving so much of himself in the national final that he couldn't even take a leak for the drug test afterwards.

Laettner and Hurley - the best duo combination of cockiness, guts and will to win in Duke's history (in my opinion, of course).

-EarlJam

P.S. Also, Laettner has a shark.

P.P.S. EarlJam has an Iguana named Hurley.

[micah75]

And Laettner IS a class guy. He and Davis have given so much back to the Durham community - and no telling how many other charities. Everything Christian does he does with passion and a will to win. If he was classless, a bad human being and such, I doubt that he would still have the incredible respect of Coach K.

Laettner's legacy is being the leader of the Monkey Removal Squad. There was a fairly large one hanging all over Coach K's back in March, 1991. Then we flip to 1992. The Shot. And then giving so much of himself in the national final that he couldn't even take a leak for the drug test afterwards.

Laettner and Hurley - the best duo combination of cockiness, guts and will to win in Duke's history (in my opinion, of course).

Exactly. Off the court, a gentleman and a classy guy. Hey, he made the cover of GQ after the '92 tourney. On the court, a fierce competitor with an incredible will to win. Same for Hurley. And yes, he was the leader of that Monkey Removal Squad in '91. If you love watching Duke win, and not just win but win the big ones, and if you're tired of complaining about recruiting losses and lack of quality big men, we should be so fortunate as to have a Christian Laettner leading the way, say... once every 70 or 80 years or so.

But memories fade, I suppose.