One of the earliest signs that Mike Krzyzewski would forge a different path from his predecessor, Bill Foster, was his disregard for traditional basketball positions. Coach K simply wanted good players. He believed rigid labels could limit a player’s growth and potential.
That said, we’ve already covered point guards and centers. But when it comes to forwards—especially under Coach K—it gets a little trickier. So, we’ve decided to break them into subgroups. First up: the Stretch 4s.
For context, the “4” is basketball shorthand for a power forward. A “stretch 4” is one who can space the floor by pulling defenders out to the perimeter with their shooting. Think Larry Bird as the gold standard.
Duke’s Stretch 4s Under Coach K:
Danny Ferry – The first true stretch 4 of the Krzyzewski era. Ferry had a superb feel for the game—he could shoot, pass, and think the game at a high level. While he wasn’t the most athletic, he carved out a long NBA career through savvy and skill.
Kyle Singler – One of the more remarkable transformations we saw at Duke. Singler entered as a brawny interior player but evolved into a smooth, perimeter-oriented swingman by his junior year. While streaky from deep, he was a vital leader on Duke’s 2010 national title team.
Paolo Banchero – A one-and-done phenom, Banchero brought a unique blend of power, size, and guard-like finesse. At 6’10”, he could initiate offense, stretch the floor, and overpower defenders. Quite simply, there’s never been another Duke forward quite like him.
Christian Laettner – We previously listed him at center due to roster structure, but make no mistake: Laettner was a natural stretch 4. Skilled, versatile, and unflappable, he’s often called the most accomplished Blue Devil of all time—and it’s hard to argue.
Grant Hill – Like Laettner, Hill defies categorization. While not a knockdown shooter, his all-around game was transcendent. He could play—and dominate—any position. That senior-year block to break up a 4-on-1 UNC fast break? Still iconic.
Roshown McLeod – Often overlooked, McLeod was a critical figure in Duke’s mid-90s rebuild. A tough, skilled forward who transferred in after the 1995 drop-off, he brought grit and leadership learned under legendary high school coach Bob Hurley.
Shane Battier – Originally a defensive stopper, Battier evolved into a deadly shooter. Inspired by a documentary on Shaolin monks (really), he took his mental game to another level. As captain of the 2001 national champs, he was simply masterful.
Mike Dunleavy Jr. – Battier’s roommate and perfect offensive complement, Dunleavy was 6’9″ with a sniper’s touch. As a freshman, he helped anchor a slim six-man rotation that ran like a machine—until mono sidelined him.
Luol Deng – Deng’s smooth, effortless game belied the effort he put in. A refugee from Sudan, he made an immediate impact in his lone season (2003–04), guiding Duke to the Final Four. His poise and personality drew comparisons to Battier.
Ryan Kelly – At 6’11”, Kelly had an elite shooting touch that gave Duke crucial spacing. He played a minor role on the 2010 title team but became pivotal later, especially in Duke’s dramatic 2012 win over UNC—yes, the Austin Rivers game.
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