I don't hate Laettner. He had an amazing college career and is a huge part of college basketball history.
Part of the public relations issue at Duke is that it is perceived as an elitist (different from elite) institution attended by spoiled rich (and smart) kids, most of whom are White. Living in ACC country, I can attest to the fact that Duke fans can be insufferable. For some fans, Dick Vitale adds a level of irritation because of the way he always raves about Duke. Billy Packer, who was also insufferable, was another ACC homer.
In terms of Laettner's pro career, he was one of many Duke players who did not successfully transition. Duke tended to get good players who maxed out in a good system. Many were not athletic enough to be stars at the next level--the stars were the kids who jumped straight from high school and probably couldn't have gotten into Duke. Grant Hill was an exception to the lack of athleticism. Jason Williams might have been, but he got injured. J.J. Redick has built a decent career, but is far from a star. Shane Battier was solid, but not a star.
I think that Jay Bilas is a good Duke representative. He is knowledgeable and articulate and not particularly a homer. He also has a sense of humor and can be self deprecating. I love his story about competing against Len Bias. They had been ranked about the same coming out of high school, but the first time they played against each other, Bilas thought, "I'm going to have to get a LOT better."