David Duke Jr. Bio
David Duke Jr. is an American professional basketball player for the Perth Wildcats of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL). He previously played for the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA and with the Austin Spurs of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Providence Friars. David was born on October 13, 1999, in Providence, Rhode Island, and grew up playing several sports before fully committing to basketball in high school. His achievements include being named to the All-NBA G League First Team and Second-team All-Big East.
Early Life and Background
David Duke Jr. was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island. He grew up playing soccer and football and running track, not fully devoting himself to basketball until high school. His parents, David and Sharon Duke, are Liberian refugees who escaped from war-torn Liberia before reuniting in Providence. He has two brothers, Sean and Jordan.
As a freshman at Classical High School in Providence, Duke stood 5 feet 6 inches and played at the junior varsity level. He grew to 6 feet 1 inch and joined the varsity team in his sophomore season. As a junior, he averaged 15 points per game and led his team to a Division 1 state title. After the season, Duke transferred to Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, Massachusetts and repeated his junior year due to reclassification. He played with Wabissa Bede and helped his team win the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class AA title.
Path to Basketball
As a senior at Cushing Academy, Duke averaged 17 points, five rebounds and four assists per game and helped Cushing reach the NEPSAC Class AA semifinals. A four-star recruit, he committed to playing college basketball for Providence over offers from Virginia Tech, Florida, Indiana and Villanova. His dedication to basketball continued to grow during his high school years, culminating in his decision to pursue a collegiate career.
Duke’s high school development prepared him for the challenges of college basketball. His multi-sport background contributed to his athletic versatility, while his late commitment to basketball allowed him to develop rapidly once he fully focused on the sport. These experiences shaped the foundation for his future professional career.
David Duke Jr. Career
Early Career (2021-2023)
After going undrafted in the 2021 NBA draft, Duke signed with the Brooklyn Nets on August 8, 2021. He played for the Nets during the 2021 NBA Summer League. On October 16, the Nets converted Duke to a two-way contract, which meant he would split his time during the 2021-22 season between Brooklyn and their NBA G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets. In his professional debut, Duke began to establish himself as a promising young talent with scoring abilities.
Duke joined the Nets for the 2022 NBA Summer League after turning down a new two-way contract offer from the team. However, he ultimately re-signed with the Nets on a two-way deal on September 16, 2022, once again splitting the 2022-23 season between Brooklyn and Long Island. During this period, he showed significant improvement, particularly in his scoring performance while with the Long Island Nets.
Development in G League (2023)
On September 11, 2023, Duke signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, but was waived on October 20. He subsequently joined the Delaware Blue Coats for the 2023-24 NBA G League season. In 11 games with the Blue Coats, he averaged 21.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists in 31.5 minutes. This strong performance demonstrated his ability to be a consistent contributor at the G League level.
On December 14, 2023, Duke signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs. In 38 games (37 starts) with the Austin Spurs during the 2023-24 NBA G League season, he averaged a team-high 19.8 points to go with 6.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 steals in 32.9 minutes per game. He then finished the 2023-24 NBA season averaging 6.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 12.8 minutes in four games for San Antonio.
Perth Wildcats Era (2025-2026)
On October 24, 2025, Duke signed with the Perth Wildcats of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) for the rest of the 2025-26 season, replacing their previous international guard, Mason Jones. This move represented a significant transition in Duke’s career, as he ventured outside the NBA ecosystem to continue his professional development.
During his time with Perth, Duke faced both challenges and opportunities. On December 28, he suffered a serious elbow injury during a loss to the Adelaide 36ers. Despite this setback, Duke returned to the court in mid February, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to his team. His experience in the NBL provided him with a different competitive environment that helped further develop his international basketball IQ.
Playing Style and Strengths
David Duke Jr. is a versatile guard who can play both point guard and shooting guard positions. He possesses strong scoring abilities, particularly effective in transition and catch-and-shoot situations. Duke demonstrates solid court vision and playmaking abilities, complemented by his defensive instincts and ability to create steals. His multi-sport background contributes to his athleticism and adaptability on the court.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Duke has achieved several significant milestones. In 2023, he was named to the All-NBA G League First Team and participated in the NBA G League Next Up Game. He earned Second-team All-Big East honors in 2021 during his college career with Providence. Additionally, Duke represented the United States at the 2019 Pan American Games in Peru, helping his team win the bronze medal.
David Duke Jr. Career Wins
David Duke Jr. has compiled an impressive record throughout his professional career, showcasing his versatility across different leagues and teams. His journey from undrafted free agent to established professional demonstrates his resilience and dedication to the sport of basketball.
NBA G League Highlights
In the NBA G League, Duke has established himself as one of the league’s most productive players. During the 2022-23 season with the Long Island Nets, he averaged a team-leading 22.9 points (fifth in the NBA G League) on 47.8 percent shooting from the field. His performance earned him a spot on the All-NBA G League First Team and recognition as one of the league’s top talents.
His success continued with the Austin Spurs, where he averaged 19.8 points during the 2023-24 season. These achievements highlight Duke’s ability to consistently perform at a high level in the G League, making him one of the most successful undrafted players in recent years.
International Performance
In addition to his North American achievements, Duke has begun to make his mark internationally. His move to the Australian NBL with the Perth Wildcats represented a new chapter in his career. Despite facing injuries, Duke’s transition to international basketball has shown his adaptability and potential to compete at various levels globally.
David Duke Jr. Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
David Duke Jr. comes from a family with strong Liberian roots. His parents, David and Sharon Duke, are Liberian refugees who escaped from war-torn Liberia before reuniting in Providence, Rhode Island. David has two brothers, Sean and Jordan, and his family background has significantly influenced his values and work ethic throughout his career.
Outside of basketball, Duke has demonstrated a commitment to giving back to his community. In 2023, he dedicated a feeding hall in Liberia through his foundation, The David Duke Jr. Foundation, to help feed underprivileged children. This initiative reflects his dedication to using his platform for positive impact beyond the basketball court.
Personal Life
In his personal life, Duke is married to Kayla Lopez. The couple married in Paris in 2025. His relationship with Lopez has been a significant aspect of his life, providing support and stability throughout his professional basketball journey. Duke maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans and sharing updates about his career and personal interests.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 season, David Duke Jr. experienced significant transitions in his career. After stints with the San Antonio Spurs and their G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs, Duke signed with the Perth Wildcats of the Australian NBL. This move represented a strategic decision to explore opportunities outside the NBA system while continuing his professional development.
The 2025 season proved challenging for Duke, as he suffered a serious elbow injury in December that sidelined him for several weeks. Despite this setback, his resilience was evident when he returned to the court in mid-February. His performance with the Perth Wildcats demonstrated his ability to adapt to different basketball styles and international competition, showcasing his versatility as a professional player.