In a remarkable display of depth and development, all five members of the Blue Devils’ starting lineup from the 2024–25 season heard their names called on draft night, including three in the coveted top 10 picks.

This achievement places Duke among an elite group of college programs, joining only Kentucky (2012) and UConn (2006) as the third team in NBA history to have its entire starting five drafted in the same year. 

Three Blue Devils Go Top 10

The draft drama began at the very top, as freshman phenom Cooper Flagg was selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Mavericks. Flagg, widely considered the best prospect in the class, capped off his lone season at Duke with a Final Four run and a sweep of national player of the year honors.

His selection was quickly followed by Kon Knueppel, who went fourth overall to the Charlotte Hornets. Knueppel, a versatile 6-foot-7 wing, impressed scouts with his shooting, basketball IQ, and ability to impact both ends of the floor, earning ACC Tournament MVP honors along the way.

The Blue Devils’ presence in the top 10 didn’t stop there. Center Khaman Maluach, whose athleticism and rim protection drew comparisons to some of the NBA’s elite big men, was chosen 10th by the Phoenix Suns after a trade with Houston. Maluach’s rapid development over the past year made him one of the draft’s most intriguing big-man prospects and solidified Duke’s reputation for producing NBA-ready talent at every position.

Second-Round Success

Duke’s draft night continued to impress as Sion James was selected early in the second round by the Hornets, and Tyrese Proctor was picked up by the Cleveland Cavaliers at No. 49. While first-round selections often get the headlines, the fact that all five starters were drafted cements the 2024–25 Blue Devils as one of the most accomplished college lineups in recent memory. 

College basketball analysts were quick to highlight the significance of Duke’s achievement. “It’s rare for all five starters from a single team to even enter the draft together, let alone have every one of them selected,” noted CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander.

The last time it happened was with John Calipari’s Kentucky squad in 2012, which featured future NBA stars like Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

For Duke, this historic draft class signals both the end of an era and the start of a new one. The program will undergo a complete roster reset next season, but the successful transition of its entire starting five to the NBA only strengthens its appeal to future recruits.