Former Duke basketball star Chris Duhon out to build a legacy at Gaston Christian
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Former collegiate and professional basketball player Chris Duhon took the head coaching job at Gaston Christian School in April.
And like he once did while playing for Mike Krzyzewski at Duke, Duhon wants to win big at his new North Carolina private school.
“Obviously I have a large knowledge of the game,” said Duhon, 41. “Now, I am just trying to get the players to have a better feel for the game, to have a better basketball IQ, how to compete, and ultimately control what they can control. And, what they can control is their attitude and effort.”
In his college days, Duhon and the Blue Devils won the 2001 national championship, made two more Sweet 16 runs, and in his senior season went back to the Final Four. The 6-1 point guard ended his career as Duke’s all-time leader in steals (30) and minutes played (4,813). He was second in assists (819). After college, Duhon was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the 2004 NBA Draft and played in the league until the 2012-23 season.
Now he wants to use all the knowledge from his playing days to help the teenagers he’s coaching every day.
“I talked with Coach K a little bit about getting the job,” Duhon said. “He congratulated me. And being around those guys, I know I have that lifeline if needed, but as of right now, I am just kind of learning and going through the steps on my own. Obviously after this year I’ll reach out and keep trying to get better and better.”
Gaston Christian went 23-10 last season before falling to eventual state champion Greensboro Day School in the N.C. Independent Schools 3A state semifinals. The Eagles had a young core a season ago and return several key players, including 6-11 senior center Gabriel Mabor, who averaged 12.7 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. He also blocked nearly three shots per game.
Duhon — who played with former Duke big men like Carlos Boozer and Shelden Williams — said he can’t wait to work with Mabor this season.
“I was very fortunate to have a lot of great big men throughout my career,” Duhon said. “So, it is important to know how they think, what each one’s play style is like by watching them play and seeing their tendencies.”
Being a point guard himself, Duhon is also excited to work with his core of guards this season. And they include a new addition to the Eagles roster: Duhon’s son, Jeremy, will be a freshman on the team.
“Being a guard gives me an advantage,” Duhon said. “We like to work with our guards and bigs at the same time. Seeing how they work with one another and making sure they are getting used to one another is big. At the end of the day, we want everyone to be good at all facets of the game as well. So, we will have some guards do big stuff and bigs do guard stuff. It is important that they understand each other’s position.”
Duhon made one thing clear. This isn’t a year of adjustments or lowered expectations. He is ready to win in his first year.
“One thing I tell the guys is that this is their opportunity to start a legacy here,” Duhon said. “We need to start building the culture, implementing the culture, and setting the tone. So, when players come in after them they already know and understand the culture in place and that they want to play for a team centered around that culture.”
For Duhon, the goal isn’t centered around a record, a win total, or even a state championship — although he wants to win that, too.
“Our main goal has been to play for one another,” Duhon said. “Playing for something bigger than yourself. Whatever happens, happens, but that has really been the main goal that I have given the guys.”
