The Duke Basketball community mourns the loss of Frank “Buzzy” Harrison, a former standout guard who passed away on Christmas Day.
A native of West Virginia, Harrison was instrumental in laying the foundation for Duke Basketball’s rise to prominence. While the program enjoyed regional success during its early days in the Southern Conference, Duke truly began its ascent on the national stage under coach Vic Bubas, who took over in 1960.
Harrison played a pivotal role during this transformative era. He was a starter on Duke’s first two Final Four teams in 1963 and 1964. His stellar performance earned him a spot on the 1964 All-ACC Team and the 1963 ACC All-Tournament Team.
Harrison’s accomplishments extended beyond the basketball court. After graduating in 1964, he pursued a career as an orthopedic surgeon, a field in which he became highly respected. However, he later felt called to another path, earning a Divinity degree and serving as a minister—a unique journey from being a “Devil” on the court to a servant of faith.
Harrison’s legacy at Duke is further highlighted by a rare distinction: his graduating class never lost to rival North Carolina, even during their freshman year.
As a trailblazer who helped establish Duke as a national basketball powerhouse, Harrison’s contributions and character will be remembered fondly. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the broader Duke community.
