Amanda Knapp
William Franklin Avery Jr., commonly known as Will Avery, is a former professional basketball player and coach. Standing at 6 ft 2 in (1.90 m), Avery played as a point guard for the Duke Blue Devils men's basketball team before being drafted into the NBA in 1999. After a three-year career in the NBA, Avery took his talents overseas and eventually retired from professional basketball in 2012. Post-retirement, he started the Will Avery Basketball Camps, where he provides coaching and skill development for players of all levels, from beginners to experienced college players.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Franklin Avery Jr. |
| Nickname | Will Avery |
| Date of Birth | August 8, 1979 |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.90 m) |
| Career | Former professional basketball player and assistant basketball coach for Duke |
| Career Highlights | Starting point guard on the 1998–99 Duke Blue Devils men's basketball team; selected 14th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 1999 NBA draft |
| Post-Retirement | Started a basketball camp in Evans, Georgia; returned to Duke University to complete a degree in African American studies |
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What You'll Learn
William Franklin Avery Jr.'s career as a player
William Franklin Avery Jr., also known as Will Avery, is a former professional basketball player and assistant basketball coach for Duke. Born on August 8, 1979, he stood at 6 feet 2 inches tall and played as a point guard.
Avery began his basketball career at Duke University, where he was the starting point guard on the 1998-99 Duke Blue Devils men's basketball team. During his sophomore year, he averaged 14.9 points and 5.0 assists per game, helping his team win 32 straight games before eventually losing to the University of Connecticut in the National Championship game. After his impressive performance, Avery, along with Elton Brand and Corey Maggette, became one of the first players under Mike Krzyzewski to leave Duke before graduating, as he was selected 14th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 1999 NBA draft.
Avery's NBA career spanned three seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, during which he averaged 2.7 points per game and 1.4 assists per game across 142 appearances. However, when his 3-year contract expired in 2002, he was not signed by any other NBA teams. This led Avery to continue his career overseas.
Although the specific details of his overseas career are not readily available, it is known that Avery continued to play professional basketball until his retirement in 2012. Following his retirement, he returned to Evans, Georgia, where he started the Will Avery Basketball Camps, which provide group and individual basketball development, camps, and clinics for players of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced high school and college players.
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Will Avery Basketball Camps
Avery, a former professional basketball player and assistant coach for Duke, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to these camps. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, he was a starting point guard for the Duke Blue Devils during his sophomore year, averaging an impressive 14.9 points and 5.0 assists per game. He then went on to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA, appearing in 142 games across three seasons.
The basketball camps focus on skill development, games, competition, and contests. Avery and his team of former college and high school coaches aim to help players take their game to the next level. They believe that every day is a chance to improve and emphasize the importance of consistency and commitment in achieving that goal.
The camps cater to a diverse range of players, from beginners to advanced athletes. Recently, they have formed skill-specific programs for players from 3rd to 8th grade, recognizing the impact of starting skill development at an early age. Additionally, they offer programs for high school girls and advanced middle school players, contributing to the development of over 50 college players over the years.
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Will Avery's career as a coach
William Franklin Avery Jr., or Will Avery, is an American former professional basketball player and current assistant basketball coach for Duke. Standing at 6 ft 2 in (1.90 m), Avery played as a point guard for the Duke Blue Devils men's basketball team in the 1998–99 season, where he averaged 14.9 points and 5.0 assists per game. After going on to play in the NBA for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Avery moved his career overseas and retired from professional basketball in 2012.
Following his retirement, Avery returned to Evans, Georgia, where he started a basketball camp. In 2019, he resumed his studies at Duke University, graduating in 2023 with a degree in African American studies. During this time, he also assisted the university's basketball team.
Avery now runs basketball camps and clinics for players of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced high school and college players. His camps focus on skill development, games, competition, and contests, with the goal of helping players take their game to the next level. Avery's wealth of knowledge and experience in fundamental basketball development have contributed to the development of over 50 college players.
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Duke University and the NBA draft
Duke University has a rich history of producing NBA draft picks, and one of its most notable alumni is William Franklin Avery Jr., commonly known as "Will". After a successful college basketball career at Duke, Avery was selected 14th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 1999 NBA draft. During his time at Duke, Avery excelled as the starting point guard, averaging 14.9 points and 5.0 assists per game in his sophomore year.
Another notable Duke player who entered the NBA draft is Cooper Flagg. Flagg, a forward from Newport, Maine, was considered the favourite to be selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. During his freshman year at Duke, Flagg averaged an impressive 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game. His performance in the ACC tournament, particularly against Notre Dame, solidified his status as a top prospect.
Duke University has consistently produced high-calibre players who have gone on to successful NBA careers. The university's basketball programme is renowned for its ability to develop talented players and prepare them for the professional level. Duke's coaches, such as Jon Scheyer, are known for their ability to bring out the best in their players, both on and off the court.
The university's culture of excellence and competitiveness has helped shape the careers of many NBA players. Duke's basketball team is known for its strong work ethic and commitment to improvement, which aligns with the NBA's demanding environment. Many Duke players credit the university for providing them with the skills and mindset necessary to succeed in the league.
In addition to Avery and Flagg, several other Duke players have made their mark in the NBA. The university has a history of producing top draft picks and impactful players who contribute to the success of their respective teams. Duke's presence in the NBA extends beyond its alumni, as the university's basketball programme continues to be a pipeline for future NBA talent.
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Will Avery's retirement
After a three-year stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves, during which he averaged 2.7 points and 1.4 assists per game across 142 appearances, William Franklin Avery Jr., nicknamed Will, retired from professional basketball in 2012.
Avery was born on August 8, 1979, and stood at 6 feet 2 inches (1.90 m) tall during his playing career. He began his basketball journey as the starting point guard for the 1998-99 Duke Blue Devils, where he averaged 14.9 points and 5.0 assists per game in his sophomore year. After a successful season that included a 32-game winning streak, Duke ultimately lost to the University of Connecticut in the National Championship game.
Following his impressive sophomore campaign, Avery was selected 14th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 1999 NBA draft. However, when his contract expired in 2002, he was not signed by any NBA teams, marking the end of his NBA career.
Undeterred, Avery took his talents overseas, continuing his professional basketball career in foreign leagues. This extended period of playing basketball internationally lasted a decade before he eventually retired from the sport in 2012.
Post-retirement, Avery returned to Evans, Georgia, where he established the Will Avery Basketball Camps. These camps offer group and individual basketball development programmes, catering to players of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced high school and college players aspiring to elevate their game. The camps also include skill-specific programmes for players from third to eighth grade, recognising the benefits of starting skill development at an early age.
In the fall of 2019, Avery made a return to Duke University, this time as a student, to complete his degree in African American studies. While pursuing his degree, he simultaneously assisted the Duke basketball team, drawing on his extensive playing and coaching experience. This period marked a full-circle moment for Avery, as he graduated from Duke in 2023, two decades after leaving the university as a promising young basketball player.
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Frequently asked questions
William Franklin Avery Jr. (born 8 August 1979), also known as Will Avery, is an American former professional basketball player and current assistant basketball coach for Duke.
Will Avery played as a point guard.
Will Avery played for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA.
Will Avery retired from professional basketball in 2012.
Will Avery now runs basketball camps and clinics for players of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced college players. He also returned to Duke University in 2019 to complete his degree in African American studies, graduating in 2023.
