Over the last decade and a half or so, Duke fans have gotten to know the story of Nolan Smith and the agonizing loss of his father, Derek.
Derek, a 6-6 forward, played for Louisville in the Denny Crum era, helping the Cards to win the national championship in 1980.
He made the NBA but was waived by Golden State. The Clippers picked him up and persuaded him to move to guard where he excelled.
Smith built a solid NBA career but a knee injury forced him out of the game in 1991 after nine seasons.