Unbelievable NBA Draft Domination: Five Duke Blue Devils Hear Their Names Called as Coach Scheyer’s Program Stamps NBA Authority
The Duke Blue Devils just sent a thunderous message to the entire basketball world—Durham remains the gold standard for developing elite NBA talent. The 2025 NBA Draft was nothing short of a Duke showcase, with five former Blue Devils hearing their names called and cementing their futures at the highest level of the sport. For a program already rich with history, tradition, and NBA legacy, this year’s draft class may go down as one of the most impactful groups to ever depart from Cameron Indoor Stadium.
It all began at the very top of the draft board, where Duke’s latest generational phenom, Cooper Flagg, fulfilled the destiny so many had predicted for him the moment he stepped onto campus. With the No. 1 overall pick, the Dallas Mavericks made Flagg their franchise cornerstone, igniting waves of excitement across both Texas and Durham. The 6-foot-9 forward dazzled college basketball fans all season with his unique combination of athleticism, defensive intensity, scoring ability, and a high basketball IQ rarely seen in players his age. Widely regarded as one of the most polished prospects to enter the draft in recent memory, Flagg now joins Luka Dončić in Dallas, instantly creating one of the league’s most dangerous young duos. Mavericks fans dreaming of championships have every reason to believe Flagg will fast-track that vision.
But the celebration for Duke faithful didn’t stop there. Kon Knueppel, a versatile wing with deadly perimeter shooting and underrated playmaking ability, heard his name called just minutes later as the No. 4 overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets. Knueppel, whose smooth offensive game and ability to create space off the dribble made him a constant mismatch in the ACC, fills a major void for Charlotte as they continue to build around LaMelo Ball. Knueppel’s ability to stretch the floor and operate within both half-court and transition sets gives the Hornets a crucial building block for the future. His steady demeanor and high-level work ethic should also bring much-needed leadership to an evolving Hornets roster.
The top 10 selections also included another towering Blue Devil in Khaman Maluach, who landed with the Phoenix Suns at No. 10 overall. Standing 7-foot-2 with impressive mobility and rim protection instincts, Maluach was a revelation for Duke during the 2024-25 season. His defensive prowess anchored the Blue Devils’ elite defense, while his growing offensive game, highlighted by soft touch around the rim and flashes of mid-range shooting, made him an intriguing prospect for NBA front offices. The Suns, desperate to bolster their interior defense and inject size into their roster, viewed Maluach as the perfect complement to their star-studded lineup. In Phoenix, Maluach will have the opportunity to learn alongside seasoned veterans while making an immediate impact as a shot-blocking, paint-patrolling force.
The second round continued the Duke parade, as Sion James was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 33rd overall pick, marking their second Blue Devil addition of the night. James, a relentless perimeter defender and high-motor guard, became one of the most beloved players in Duke’s locker room thanks to his unselfish play, toughness, and willingness to take on difficult assignments. His defensive versatility and mature approach to the game make him an ideal rotation piece for Charlotte, who clearly sees value in James’ two-way potential and championship mindset. With Knueppel and James both headed to the Hornets, Duke fans in North Carolina can rest easy knowing their college heroes will be staying close to home.
Rounding out the historic night for Duke was Tyrese Proctor, selected 49th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Australian guard’s journey from highly touted international prospect to steady Duke floor general wasn’t without its challenges, but his poise, vision, and perimeter shooting ultimately caught the eyes of NBA scouts. Proctor’s ability to run an offense, combined with improved defensive mechanics and strong court awareness, gives Cleveland a valuable depth piece as they continue to retool around their young core. While Proctor may not have been a first-round selection, his path to carving out a meaningful NBA role is well within reach given his skillset and competitive nature.
Altogether, Duke’s five selections in the 2025 NBA Draft represent more than just individual success—they are a resounding testament to the program Jon Scheyer is building in Durham. From developing blue-chip, one-and-done stars like Cooper Flagg to cultivating long-term prospects who blossom into NBA-ready players like Sion James and Tyrese Proctor, Duke continues to set the bar for collegiate excellence that translates directly to professional stardom.
But what makes this draft class even more remarkable is that Duke managed this level of success without sacrificing their dominance at the college level. The 2024-25 season saw the Blue Devils once again cement their status among the NCAA’s elite, with Flagg, Knueppel, Maluach, James, and Proctor leading Duke to yet another deep tournament run, highlighted by their unmatched defensive intensity and offensive balance.
As the confetti settles and the draft dust clears, attention in Durham now shifts to the future—specifically, the 2024-25 Duke starting five, a group tasked with carrying the torch left behind by this historic NBA-bound class.
Projected Starting Five for Duke 2024-25 Season:
Point Guard: Caleb Foster – The sophomore floor general inherits full command of the offense. Foster’s quickness, decision-making, and defensive tenacity make him a strong leader on both ends of the floor. With a year of valuable experience, Foster is expected to elevate his game and provide much-needed stability in the backcourt.
Shooting Guard: Jared McCain – Returning for another season after testing the NBA waters, McCain brings elite scoring ability and sharpshooting prowess. His perimeter shooting stretches defenses, while his crafty playmaking and improved defense round out his all-around game. McCain is primed to be one of the ACC’s most prolific scorers.
Small Forward: Isaiah Evans – Highly touted as one of the best incoming freshmen in the country, Evans arrives with sky-high expectations. His athleticism, versatility, and ability to impact the game on both ends give Duke a dynamic option at the wing. Evans is a player to watch, capable of stepping into a leading role early in the season.
Power Forward: TJ Power – After a strong sophomore campaign as a reliable stretch-four, Power’s role will expand significantly. His ability to space the floor with three-point shooting, crash the boards, and provide defensive versatility makes him a perfect fit alongside Duke’s new-look roster.
Center: Sean Stewart – The rim-running, high-energy big man returns with more strength and confidence, ready to anchor the frontcourt. Stewart’s rebounding, shot-blocking, and inside scoring provide Duke with a defensive presence and interior toughness critical to competing at the highest level.
While losing five NBA-caliber players would cripple most programs, Duke’s unmatched recruiting pipeline, player development system, and deep roster depth ensure they will remain firmly in the national title conversation. The 2024-25 Blue Devils may look different, but the standard in Durham has not changed—excellence is expected, and NBA success is the byproduct.
For Jon Scheyer, this year’s draft class validates his vision and solidifies his standing among the best coaches in college basketball. Replacing the likes of Flagg, Knueppel, Maluach, James, and Proctor is no easy task, but if history is any indication, Duke is ready to reload rather than rebuild.
In the end, the 2025 NBA Draft was more than just a night for Duke to celebrate—it was a declaration. The Blue Devils aren’t just sending players to the league—they’re shaping the next generation of stars, rewriting draft history, and proving once again that Durham is the ultimate launching pad for basketball greatness.
