MEET OUR TEAM
WILL AVERY
FROM DUKE STAR TO DEVELOPMENT LEADER:
BUILDING THE FUTURE OF THE GAME
Former Duke men’s basketball standout and NBA Lottery pick Will Avery was named an assistant coach in July 2023. In his 2 years as assistant coach the Blue Devils compiled a record of 62-13 while winning an ACC Regular Season, Tournament title, and reached the Final 4. Avery coached NBA players Jared McCain (76ers), Kyle Filipowski (Jazz), Cooper Flagg (Mavericks), Khaman Maluach (Suns) and played a significant role in the development of Sion James (Hornets) and Tyrese Proctor (Cavaliers) who were both selected in this year’s NBA Draft. Duke brought in the top recruiting class in the country both years Avery was on staff.
Avery, who starred at Duke from 1997 to 1999, spent the previous four years assisting with various aspects of the program while completing his undergraduate degree in African American studies. He left Duke after his sophomore year as the 14th overall pick by Minnesota in the 1999 NBA Draft.
The second-team All-ACC pick and third-team Parade All-American in 1999, Avery led the Blue Devils to the national championship game after a 37-2 record that included both the ACC regular season and tournament championships. In two seasons at Duke, Avery played in 74 games and averaged 11.9 points, 3.8 assists and shot over 46% from the field. In those seasons, the Blue Devils record was 69-6.
Avery was one of a then-school record four first-round draft picks in 1999, joining No. 1 overall pick Elton Brand, No. 11 pick Trajan Langdon and No. 13 pick Corey Maggette. The record was later tied during the 2022 draft. Brand, Maggette and Avery were the first Mike Krzyzewski-coached players to leave Duke early for the NBA.
Avery, the Augusta, Georgia native played 12 years professionally in the NBA and overseas. Following his retirement from pro basketball in 2012, Avery returned to his hometown and established the Will Avery Basketball Academy where he trained and mentored youth basketball players.
Avery has now co-founded Blue 5 Basketball where he will lead a group of experienced coaches as they develop the next generation of basketball players and people. Blue 5 Basketball embodies the belief that true success on the court comes from the collaborative efforts of five players working in harmony. We are dedicated to fostering teamwork, commitment, and perseverance, emphasizing that every player plays a crucial role in achieving high-level performance.”
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF BASKETBALL ONE TEAM, ONE PLAYER, ONE POSSESSION AT A TIME
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