Top 5 Duke vs Kentucky Champions Classic performances feat. Zion Williamson, Paolo Banchero and more
Duke and Kentucky have produced some of their finest basketball in the annual State Farm Champions Classic event. Before their showdown in the 2024 edition at 9:00 p.m. ET tonight, the Blue Devils and Wildcats have faced each other on four occasions, with the former winning three of their encounters.
From Zion Williamson to Paolo Banchero, some of the best players in Duke's recent past shined against the Wildcats in the State Farm Champions Classic, producing performances that remain large in the memories of the Blue Devils' fans even today.
Here's a closer look at five performances from the Blue Devils against the Wildcats in the Champions Classic that caught the eye of the nation.
5 Duke stars who shined against Kentucky in Champions Classic ft. Zion Williamson
#5. Seth Curry
After a year at Liberty, Stephen Curry's younger brother, Seth Curry, transferred to Duke ahead of the 2010 season. On Nov. 13, 2012, Curry led the Blue Devils to a narrow 75-68 win over the Wildcats, producing an impressive shooting display at Atlanta.
Curry shot 7-of-14 from the field, 3-of-5 from 3-point range and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line, finishing as the Blue Devils' top scorer with 23 points.
#4. Cam Reddish
In his final season of college basketball before becoming the No. 10 overall pick in the 2019 WNBA draft, Reddish enjoyed a fine outing against the Wildcats on Nov. 6, 2018. He finished with 22 points, two rebounds, three assists and four steals in just 24 minutes, playing a key role in the Blue Devils' massive 118-84 victory over the Wildcats.
#3. Paolo Banchero
Banchero made a solid impression in his sole Champions Classic appearance for Duke on Nov. 9, 2021. He led the Blue Devils to a 79-71 victory, finishing with 22 points and seven rebounds. After a strong season at Durham, the Orlando Magic made Banchero the top pick in the 2022 NBA draft.
#2. Zion Williamson
Another key figure in the Blue Devils' 118-84 win over the Wildcats in 2018 was Zion Williamson. The 6-foot-6 forward put on a dazzling display at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, scoring 28 points and seven rebounds in just 23 minutes. He also shot an impressive .846 from the field, making 11-of-13 field goal attempts.
#1. RJ Barrett
RJ Barrett was perhaps the most impressive player in Duke's 2018 win over Kentucky. In a team with Williamson and Reddish, Barrett finished as the Blue Devils' top scorer with 33 points, four rebounds and six assists in his 32-minute performance.
He shot 13-of-26 from the field, 3-of-7 from 3-point range and 4-of-8 from the free throw line, before enjoying a memorable freshman season which convinced the New York Knicks to make him the No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft.