With the NFL Playoffs right around the corner and the NBA season in full swing, several former Duke athletes are making their presence known across various professional sports leagues. The Blue Zone is here to break down their recent performances:
Jamison Crowder, Washington Commanders
Over 12 years after his iconic game-winning catch against North Carolina, Jamison Crowder reminded everyone why he’s built for clutch moments. The veteran wide receiver has had a limited role during his second stint in Washington, and came into last week’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles with just four total receptions. But with his team down by multiple scores against a divisional foe, Crowder made an impact early in the second quarter, hauling in a toe-tap touchdown grab to slice the Eagles’ lead in half. As the game wore on, the Commanders fought to stay within striking distance. Trailing 33-28, they found themselves on Philadelphia’s nine-yard line with just 10 seconds left. Then, after shaking his defender on a crossing route, Crowder secured a perfectly-placed Jayden Daniels pass, clinching the victory and sending the home crowd into a frenzy. At age 31, Crowder has built a career on stepping up in big moments. With the Commanders heading towards their first playoff appearance since 2020, don’t be surprised if he delivers again when it matters most.
Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
The Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers have the best records in the Eastern Conference by a wide margin. Jalen Johnson’s Atlanta Hawks are the only team to have beaten them both. During his fourth season in the NBA, Johnson has epitomized what the Hawks’ identity has been this year: versatile, relentless, and gritty. These traits were on full display Thursday night, as the Milwaukee native posted 30 points, 15 rebounds and four assists in a commanding comeback victory over the Chicago Bulls. With his team down 16 points with just six minutes left in the game, Johnson was instrumental in a 24-2 run, ultimately scoring the go-ahead bucket with a fierce two-handed slam. The former Blue Devil has also leveled up on the defensive end, averaging 1.4 steals alongside a block per game. Alongside fellow wing and defensive ace Dyson Daniels, his contributions have helped transform the Hawks into a significantly more formidable defensive unit after placing in the bottom 10 in defensive rating a year ago. Only Tyler Herro has better odds to be named the NBA’s Most Improved Player this season, so expect Johnson’s impressive campaign to continue in the new year.
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
After winning his first ring last June, Jayson Tatum has not skipped a beat. Ranked fifth on the Kia MVP ladder, Tatum has been the driving force of a star-studded 23-8 Celtics team. Despite suffering a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, the former third overall pick put on a show on Christmas day, racking up 32 points and snagging 15 rebounds. He followed it up with a strong 22-13-4 performance in a blowout win over the Indiana Pacers, tallying a double-double for the eighth consecutive game. This sort of consistency has underscored Tatum’s season, who has scored at least 15 points in every game which he has played. Additionally, he’s only missed three games, demonstrating the level of durability necessary to be considered one of the league’s premier superstars. As the Celtics look to make another deep playoff run, Tatum’s ability to lead by example — both as a scorer, leader and a workhorse — cements his place among the NBA’s elite. If he continues this level of play, expect his MVP case to grow stronger with each passing game.
Former Blue Devils on the move
Jeremy Ebobisse: After three and a half seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes, Ebobisse inked a three-year free agent contract with LAFC. The 27-year-old brings a wealth of experience, having scored 60 goals in 198 MLS appearances across eight seasons. LAFC will look to his veteran leadership and trademark finishing ability to bolster its attack after a frustrating playoff loss to Seattle, where it managed 27 shots but still fell short 2-1.
DJ Steward: The former five-star recruit has faced a challenging path since going undrafted in 2021. After signing a two-way deal with his hometown Bulls in July, Steward was waived Saturday, leaving him once again in search of a new opportunity. During his stint with Chicago’s G-League affiliate, he showcased his offensive versatility, averaging 19.9 points and 7.3 assists over 16 games. Now, the 23-year-old will aim to reignite his promising career and prove why he was once considered one of the nation’s top prospects.
Sandy Dean: A Duke graduate and former electrical engineering major, Dean has been named the interim president of the Oakland Athletics following Dave Kaval's departure after eight years at the helm. Dean transitioned to finance early in his career, serving as a partner at Sansome Partners for 28 years. He has been with the A’s organization since 2005, playing a key role as a lead executive under Kaval during the team's tumultuous relocation efforts. While Dean takes on the interim role for now, the Athletics are expected to continue their search for a permanent president in 2025.
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