Duke Expands Basketball Operations with Dual Hires
The university announced this week that KJ Conklin will join the staff as an assistant coach while Alexander Powell takes on the role of executive director of basketball.
Conklin, a native of Rock Falls, Illinois, brings a blend of NBA G League, Division I, and junior college experience, having most recently contributed to the University of Texas’s basketball initiatives.
During his tenure as an intern with Pure Sweat Basketball, Conklin worked directly with NBA stars Jayson Tatum and RJ Barrett, honing his player development skills.
Powell, hailing from Greenville, South Carolina, arrives after eight years in the NBA, where he held positions as Director of Basketball Innovation with the Portland Trail Blazers and Head of Quantitative Analysis and Development with the Charlotte Hornets.
In his new role, Powell will oversee the integration of analytics and technology, aiming to leverage data-driven insights to enhance recruiting, performance evaluation, and strategic planning.
A Data‑Driven Future for the Blue Devils
The administration believes that Powell’s background in quantitative analysis will complement Conklin’s player‑focused experience, creating a balanced approach that could position Duke for continued national relevance.