JJ Redick once revealed how playing for Duke had opponents hating present Lakers HC

Before his 15-year NBA career as an elite 3-point sniper and LA Lakers coaching tenure, JJ Redick was one of college basketball's most hated players. Late in his playing career, Redick reflected on the scorn he faced during his four-year stint at Duke University. He also touched on how he shook off his reputation as an arrogant player.

Redick thrived at Duke, increasing his scoring average in each of his four seasons. In his senior year (2005-06), he averaged 26.8 points per game across 36 contests, winning Naismith College Player of the Year. He also graduated as Duke's all-time leading scorer (2,769 points).

However, Redick's immense confidence and on-court demeanor rubbed many the wrong way, garnering him nationwide animosity from fans and opponents.

During a 2016 interview with GQ, Redick recounted his college experience, noting that his arrogance, combined with Duke's history, made him a prime target.

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"I think it was a byproduct of me playing at Duke, and also when I was in college, I acted like an a**hole on the court," Redick said. "So, I've calmed myself down a little bit. But when you play at Duke, man, it's part of the whole thing. You feel the necessity to act a certain way."

Redick added that he embraced his antagonistic role, and it motivated him to reach another level.

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"Oh, yeah. I enjoyed it. In a very sick way, I enjoyed it," Redick said. "It's funny because I am like a self-motivated person. So, I already feel like I've got some fire to me, and that would just pour more lighter fluid on the fire."

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JJ Redick on outgrowing his villain role post-Duke career

While JJ Redick had considerable detractors at Duke, he became a beloved NBA role player. According to the former sharpshooter, it was part of his natural maturation process.

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"I'm very proud of my time at Duke, my career at Duke, but as you get older and become an adult, you lose some head bobs," Redick said. "That's not part of the routine anymore. ... Everyone has an opinion on it. Look, man, I think I matured."

Redick followed up his playing career with a successful podcasting stint before securing his first coaching gig with the Lakers in late June. While he has brought intensity and confidence to the sidelines, Redick remains widely revered among fans for his high basketball IQ and attention to detail.

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