Former Salmen High and Duke University basketball standout, Chris Duhon, has been bestowed with a distinguished honour as he is poised to be enshrined into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024. The decision was rendered by the Greater New Orleans Sports Awards Committee, an esteemed assembly of media professionals who annually bestow distinction upon influential sports personalities in the New Orleans area.
This prestigious accolade comes as no surprise to those well-acquainted with Duhon’s remarkable trajectory. Rising to eminence as a fabled player at Salmen High School, Duhon shattered numerous scoring records and was bestowed the accolade of McDonald’s National High School Basketball Player of the Year. He attributes his formative development to Coach Charles Brimmer, who laid the groundwork for his athletic odyssey in various parks and playgrounds in New Orleans East when he was merely 10 years old.
Transitioning to Salmen High School in Slidell, a youthful Duhon displayed an exceptional acumen for the game, breaking multiple scoring records and leading his team to face off against formidable adversaries across the nation. Despite not clinching a state championship, his exceptional talent did not escape notice, as he subsequently cemented his reputation at Duke University.
Throughout his collegiate tenure at Duke, Duhon played an integral part in the team’s success, amassing over 1,200 points and establishing a school record with 301 steals. His stellar performance on the court, coupled with his unwavering commitment and character, garnered him the admiration of the legendary Duke coach, Mike Krzyzewski.
Upon embarking on his NBA career, Duhon continued to evolve as a player, displaying fortitude and adaptability in the face of adversities. Whether it was aiding the Chicago Bulls in returning to the NBA Playoffs or notching a career-high 22 assists in a game with the New York Knicks, Duhon’s odyssey in the NBA served as a testament to his perseverance and dedication.
Subsequent to his illustrious playing tenure, Duhon has seamlessly transitioned into coaching, imparting the invaluable lessons gleaned from his basketball odyssey to the succeeding generation of players. Placing emphasis on the significance of accountability, teamwork, and the enjoyment of the game, Duhon endeavours to engender a positive and enriching basketball experience for all his players, both on and off the court.
The induction of Chris Duhon into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame serves as a fitting homage to his outstanding contributions to the sport of basketball and his enduring legacy as an inspirational figure in the local sports community. This distinction not only commemorates his triumphs but also pays homage to the perseverance and resolve that defined his extraordinary basketball journey.