Blue Devils in Black

For a majority of their history, Duke University's varsity program has always been known as the Blue Devils. But at one point, Duke has been known to add a third color aside from the traditional blue and white. During the mid-1900s, they added red to the striping patterns on the jersey. And since the turn of the millennium, Duke's varsity team colors have been blue, white and black, perhaps a sign of modernization for the program. 

Shane Battier, now of the Miami Heat,
wearing the early incarnation of
Duke's alternate black jerseys in 2001.

The black alternate jersey made its debut during the 1999-2000 college basketball season, and has remained since, with various alterations. The black accent would later make its way to Duke's other jerseys from various programs. We'll focus more on the jerseys from Duke's men's basketball program, which is among the best in the nation.

JJ Redick, now of the Orlando Magic,
wearing the early incarnation of
Duke's current road jerseys in 2005.

As seen on current Orlando Magic guard and Duke alum JJ Redick, the blue road jerseys added black accents on the lettering, the sleeves and the sides of the jersey and shorts prior to the 2004-05 college basketball season. Redick's shooting prowess helped Duke reach the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, losing to Michigan State 78-68. 

JJ Redick in the early incarnation of
Duke's current home jerseys in 2005.

For the 2005-06 season black was also incorporated into Duke's home jerseys. Black was used as a trim color on the lettering and the blue side stripes. Like the previous year, that Duke team reached the Sweet 16, only to lose to Glen Davis, Tyrus Thomas and LSU, 62-54.

If you were wondering when did they win the NCAA championship wearing the current incarnations of these duds? We go back to 2010 when they won the title by beating Butler 61-59, the fourth title of coach Mike Krzyewski's coaching career, after winning them in 1991, 1992 and 2001. Not bad of a change, Duke. Anyway, I wonder if Ateneo will add black to their legendary jerseys for a change?