A Legacy Cast in Bronze Duke Basketball to Unveil New Statue Honoring Franchise Icon
In a historic moment for college basketball and the Duke Blue Devils program, Duke University announced plans to unveil a statue honoring one of its most iconic figures: Christian Laettner. The statue will be installed outside Cameron Indoor Stadium, immortalizing the player whose clutch performances and larger-than-life presence helped shape the golden era of Duke basketball.
Laettner, considered by many to be the greatest college basketball player of all time, led Duke to back-to-back NCAA championships in 1991 and 1992. Known for his intensity, confidence, and legendary game-winners, his impact on the sport transcended generations—and now, it will be cast in bronze.
“This is a celebration of excellence,” said Duke Athletic Director Nina King. “Christian Laettner’s legacy is woven into the fabric of this university and college basketball as a whole. His contributions on and off the court still inspire Blue Devils everywhere.”
A Moment Frozen in Time
The statue, designed by world-renowned sculptor Brian Hanlon, captures Laettner in the midst of his iconic “Turnaround Buzzer-Beater” against Kentucky in the 1992 NCAA East Regional Final—a moment widely considered one of the greatest in basketball history. The play, often simply called “The Shot,” has become synonymous with March Madness magic.
The 8-foot-tall bronze statue will stand just outside the main entrance to Cameron Indoor Stadium, where generations of Duke fans have witnessed history. The base will feature an inscription of Laettner’s career accomplishments, including his perfect 10-for-10 shooting night in that same Kentucky game.
A Weekend of Celebration
The statue unveiling is scheduled for October 25, 2025, just ahead of the start of the college basketball season. The ceremony will be part of a special weekend that includes a Blue-White intrasquad game, alumni appearances, and a fan Q&A with Laettner and members of the early-’90s championship teams.
“I’m beyond honored,” Laettner said in a video message. “To be remembered like this, by the school and fans who made it all possible—it’s humbling. Duke gave me the platform to be my best, and I’m proud to be part of this incredible legacy.”
The tribute marks Duke Basketball’s first player statue and signals the beginning of a new tradition recognizing former Blue Devils who left a permanent mark on the program. The university also announced plans to develop a “Legends Plaza” around Cameron, featuring future commemorations of Mike Krzyzewski, Grant Hill, and others.
As fans and alumni return to campus this fall, they’ll be greeted by a towering reminder of a player who never shied from the moment—and delivered time and time again.
A legacy, now cast in bronze.
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