Jahlil Okafor/Myles Jones: The New Image of Duke Athletics

Freshman big-man, Jahlil Okafor

Jahlil Okafor was my winner of the player of the year (not to take away anything from or discredit Frank "The Tank" Kaminsky). While him and Frank were probably the final two candidates for the award, their numbers were quite similar and Kaminsky may have gotten the edge being he is a senior. Okafor held a slight edge in steals, blocks, rebounds, and field goal percentage (although Okafor not a 3-pt shooter like Frank) per game while Kaminsky in points and assists per game.

But this post isn't necessarily about Duke Basketball specifically, but more Duke athletics as a whole. Growing up when I thought of Duke sports I'd think of JJ Redick, Christian Laettner, Matt Danowski,  Zack Greer. Of course the first two being basketball players and the latter two being lacrosse players as those sports are probably the two most successful programs at the university.

All 4 of those players were elite players who scored through discipline and fundamentals. All 4 had their "haters" on a national scale. And all 4 were white.

Junior star, Myles Jones

But today, it's two new players who are the face of Duke athletics: Jahlil Okafor on the basketball side. Myles Jones on the lacrosse side. Both likable guys, both physically dominant, both considered the big man on the field, both wear #15, both wear the left leg sleeve. Both national champions. Both african-americans.

Jahlil Okafor will most likely go pro this summer but take a moment to appreciate these two great athletes who are the current faces of Duke athletics. They're raw athletes who use their strength to straight up ball at their level. Now that's not a line were accustomed too with Duke sports.