Former Duke Blue Devils Star Lands Brutal NBA Update

The Duke Blue Devils have churned out a lot of NBA talent over the years. Recently, there have been quite a few former standouts who have gone on to have successful careers at the professional level.

Just last season, Duke saw both Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel become rising young stars in the NBA.

Unfortunately, bad news has come out about another former Blue Devils star. Mark Williams, a center with the Phoenix Suns, has suffered a brutal injury setback.

According to a report from ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, Williams underwent surgery on Thursday to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He is set to miss quite a bit of time.

"Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams underwent surgery Thursday to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder and will miss an extended period of time, sources tell ESPN," Charania reported on X. "Williams suffered the injury in an offseason workout."

Williams played with Duke from the 2020-21 season and in 2021-22. He produced a big second season for the Blue Devils, averaging 11.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game.

Following his two years at Duke, Williams was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with the No. 15 overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft. He has played four seasons professionally, posting career averages of 12 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and a block per game.

At 24 years old, the setback is a major disappointment from Williams. He will continue working hard to get back on the court and carve out a consistent role for himself with the Suns.

In his absence, Phoenix will lean heavily on another former Duke standout. Khaman Maluach, who was the Suns' No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, will be asked to handle a larger role.

Everywhere you look, the Blue Devils have a footprint in the NBA. Head coach Jon Scheyer has done an excellent job of recruiting and developing young talent, just like Coach K before him.

Duke fans will also keep a close eye on three other former stars in their respective rookie seasons in 2026-27. Cameron Boozer, Isaiah Evans, and Maliq Brown are the latest Blue Devils standouts who will look to make a name for themselves at the NBA level.