The House-NCAA settlement, enabling universities to directly compensate athletes, marks a transformative shift in college sports. Beyond current players, the agreement provides back pay for former athletes who missed out on name, image, and likeness (NIL) earnings since 2016. According to ESPN, the NCAA will distribute nearly $2.8 billion over the next decade to athletes who competed from 2016 onward, with schools now able to pay athletes up to a set limit.
Here’s a revised ranking of Duke basketball players most deserving of back pay since 2016, based on their impact and marketability.
**5. Marvin Bagley III**
As the top high school recruit, Bagley dominated in his sole 2017-18 season at Duke. The 6’10” power forward averaged 21.0 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, securing a double-double while earning ACC Player of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year. A Wooden Award finalist, he led Duke to an Elite Eight before being drafted second overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2018. His explosive freshman season warrants significant back pay.
**4. Wendell Moore Jr.**
Moore’s three-year tenure at Duke culminated in a standout junior season in 2021-22, anchoring the Blue Devils’ Final Four run in Coach K’s final year. Averaging 13.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.4 steals on 50% field goal shooting and 41.3% from three, the 6’5″ wing earned the Julius Erving Award, All-ACC Defensive Team, and Second Team All-ACC honors. Selected 26th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Moore’s leadership and versatility merit substantial back pay.
**3. Grayson Allen**
A polarizing figure, Allen was a Duke fan favorite across his four years (2014-18). The 2015 national championship contributor averaged 14.1 points and 3.0 assists on 43% shooting and 38% from three. His senior year included an Elite Eight run, nearly upsetting Kansas with a buzzer-beater. Allen’s passion and four-year impact make a strong case for back pay.
**2. Kyle Filipowski**
Filipowski endeared himself to Duke fans by returning for his sophomore season in 2023-24, forgoing a likely first-round selection in the 2023 NBA Draft. After earning ACC Rookie of the Year as a freshman, he averaged 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.1 steals as a sophomore, leading Duke to an Elite Eight. A Second Team All-American in 2024, he was drafted 32nd overall by the Utah Jazz. His loyalty and performance justify significant compensation.
**1. Zion Williamson**
Williamson’s 2018-19 freshman season was a historic spectacle. The 6’7″, 265-pound phenom averaged 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.2 steals on 68% shooting. Leading Duke to an ACC Tournament title and Elite Eight, he won ACC Player of the Year, ACC Rookie of the Year, the Karl Malone Award, and the Wooden Award as only the third freshman ever. Drafted first overall in 2019, Williamson’s unmatched impact and marketability make him the top candidate for back pay.
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