Completed Event: Men's Lacrosse versus Georgetown on May 10, 2025 , Loss , 12, to, 16
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Final
Men's Lacrosse
12
vs Georgetown
16
Photo by: Premier Lacrosse League
A Stellar Sunday for Former Blue Devils
9/16/2024 12:09:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse
DURHAM, N.C.— It was an exciting Sunday for former Duke men's lacrosse stars Dyson Williams and Brennan O'Neill as both made waves in the professional ranks of the sport.
Williams started the afternoon by helping the Utah Archers capture their second consecutive Premier Lacrosse League Cash App Championship with a 12-8 victory over the Maryland Whipsnakes. A couple of hours later, O'Neill once again heard his name called first as the No. 1 pick by the Philadelphia Wings in the National Lacrosse League Entry Draft.Recapping the PLL Cash App Championship
Williams entered the title game with six professional games under his belt. Coming off a two-goal performance in the semifinals against the Carolina Chaos, Williams scored an instrumental goal as the buzzer sounded to close the third quarter. The goal spurred the Archers' 4-0 run and 10-6 lead early in the fourth quarter. The native of Oshawa, Ontario finished his afternoon with three touches and a goal from his lone shot.
In his rookie season, Williams played in seven games and registered seven goals will running out of the box for the Archers. He shot 47 percent for the season and had just three turnovers.
O'Neill Joins Rarefied Air as No. 1 Pick in the NLL Draft
As the No. 1 pick by the Philadelphia Wings, O'Neill became the first American to be selected first overall since 1998 when Rochester selected Casey Powell. He also became just the fourth player ever to be drafted first overall in both the professional indoor and outdoor league drafts. The previous instances were former Wings star Kevin Crowley, Lyle Thompson, and Jeff Teat.
"Brennan is a rare talent that we're excited to add to our group. As a player, he has all the tools you look for, and as we talked to some of his teammates, coaches, and folks that have been a part of his journey, we became just as enthusiastic about the person, said Wings General Manager Paul Day. "His approach, attitude, and work ethic give us tremendous confidence that he will be a student of the game which should lead him to a long, successful career."
"It's an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to represent this organization," said O'Neill. "My first NLL game I attended was a Wings game, so this team holds a very special place in my heart. I'm looking forward to the season coming up and can't wait to get to work with the rest of the team."
O'Neill joins Williams as the No. 1 pick in the NLL Entry Draft after the Blue Devil was selected in the 2023 draft by the Albany Firewolves. Williams was the first Blue devil to be selected first in the NLL Entry Draft. O'Neill, Williams and Zack Greer are the only Duke players to go in the top three – Greer was the No. 3 pick in 2009.
Greer just completed his 13th year in the league, scoring 33 goals and 22 assists for 55 points in 16 outings. He has played in 177 games and owns 306 goals and 276 assists for 582 points.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils men's lacrosse, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeMLAX".
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu
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