The Demon Deacons have such a rich history as a program that it’s difficult to make a Wake Forest basketball all-time starting lineup. Former players such as Alondes Williams and John Collins are showing the NBA that Wake can still attract top-tier recruits. At the same time you have the old-school guys like Dickie Hemric, Rod Griffin, and Randolph Childress who helped pave the way and make the program what it is today. Now, head coach Steve Forbes has the Demon Deacons in top form heading into the 2024-25 college season. It’ll be interesting to see how Forbes uses former five-star recruit Omaha Biliew. Playing in a conference as tough as the ACC is no cake walk, but Wake Forest is no stranger and has been around since the conference’s birth. Nonetheless, they’re long overdue for a conference title.
With a plethora of alumni to choose from who makes the cut for the Wake Forest all-time starting lineup?
Wake Forest Basketball All-Time Starting Lineup
Guard: Muggsy Bogues
Standing at just five-foot-three and 135 lbs., Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues is the ultimate underdog. The winner of the 1986-87 Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award, Bogues never let his lack of size deter him on the hardwood. Muggsy finished his collegiate career with 781 assists and 275 steals, and leads Wake Forest all-time in both statistics. As a freshman, Bogues played a crucial bench role on a Wake Forest team that advanced to the Sweet 16. The Deacs never reached the tournament again while Muggsy was on the roster. The ACC was brimming with talent such as Michael Jordan, Len Bias, and Johnny Dawkins, so it was hardly the undersized guard’s fault. In Bogues’ senior year, he was named to the 1986-87 All-ACC First Team and 1987 All-ACC Tournament First Team.
Guard: Chris Paul
Chris Paul is one of the greatest point guards of all time, and recently signed a one-year deal with the Spurs. Let us not forget, Paul was a force to be reckoned with back in his college days as well. A pesky defender, CP3 made the 2003-04 and 2004-05 All-ACC Defensive Teams. Bogues may lead the Demon Deacons in all-time career steals, but Paul holds the all-time school record with 2.5 steals per game. Additionally, the Lewisville, NC native led Wake to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. In Paul’s freshman season, the Deacs made the Sweet 16 in the 2004 NCAA Tournament. Funny enough, as a second seed the following year, Wake was upset in the second round by seventh seed West Virginia. Overall, Paul’s two years at Wake left a large mark on the program. Now as a savvy veteran, Paul will mentor rising star Victor Wembanyama.
Forward: Josh Howard
Like Paul, Josh Howard was raised in Winston-Salem. Howard chose to attend nearby Wake Forest as he wanted to stay close to home. Howard only led the team in scoring his senior season. Nevertheless, Howard’s impact could be felt on the team in other areas. The wiry forward ended his career at Wake second all-time in steals and seventh in blocks, totaling 215 and 143 respectively. In Howard’s freshman year, the Demon Deacons failed to make the NCAA Tournament. Instead, they won the NIT. Afterwards, Howard guided Wake Forest to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances. Sadly, the hometown hero never got past the second round. Still, making the tournament is an accomplishment only 64 teams achieve annually. Howard can easily be recognized as one of the greatest Deacs of all-time, particularly for his defensive prowess.
Forward: Tim Duncan
“The Big Fundamental” is known for his time with the Spurs where he led the franchise to five championships. Born in the Virgin Islands, Tim Duncan may be the GOAT of Wake Forest Basketball. NBA teams were interested in drafting the soft-spoken big man as early as his sophomore season. Surprisingly, Duncan chose to stay in school. Impressively, the future NBA champion was the 1996-97 Naismith Award, Rupp Trophy, and Wooden Award winner. That same year, Duncan led the ACC in scoring, rebounding, field goal percentage, and blocks, becoming the first player in ACC history to lead the conference in all four stats. Swatting away 481 total shots over his four years at Wake, Duncan leads the ACC in career blocks. Also, Timmy is second all-time in ACC career rebounds pulling down 1,570 boards.
Center: Len Chappell
As Wake Forest’s first consensus All-American, it’d be criminal to leave Len Chappell off the Wake Forest all-time starting lineup. As a matter of fact, Chappell is the only Demon Deacon in team history to lead Wake to the Final Four. If not for running into John Havlicek and Ohio State, Chappell would’ve had a shot at the national championship. Coming from Portage, PA, Chappell was the winner of consecutive ACC Player of the Year Awards in 1961 and 1962. The dominant center was rightfully inducted into the Wake Forest Hall of Fame in 1980. Chappell finished his time at Wake sixth all-time in ACC career free throws with 637. As a result of his impressive collegiate resume, Chappell was drafted by the Syracuse Nationals. Like Hemric, Chappell helped build a legacy of dominant big men at Wake Forest that still continues today.
