It’s hard to remember, and more so for people who either weren’t born yet or who don’t have memories of JJ Redick’s time at Duke, but a lot of opposing fans saw him as unbearable cocky. In particular, Maryland fans loved to give him a go. At one point, we think after his sophomore year, in a moment of brutal honesty, Coach K told him he wasn’t worthy of being a national champion.
That marked a turning point for Redick, who became entirely worthy of that honor, though he never reached it.
And in the NBA, he continued to work like a champion and has built considerable respect, something that this podcast has contributed to.