HISTORIC NIGHT: All Five Duke Blue Devils Starters Selected in 2025 NBA Draft, Tying Record for Most Picks from One School

The NBA Draft is always filled with emotion, dreams realized, and the beginning of new chapters for the best basketball talents in the world. But what happened on Thursday night will be remembered in college basketball history forever. The Duke Blue Devils not only showcased their dominance at the collegiate level this past season, but they etched their name into the record books by sending all five of their starters to the NBA in the same draft class—a feat that ties the all-time record for most draft picks from a single school in one year.

This remarkable accomplishment reinforces Duke’s status as the undisputed breeding ground for NBA talent and marks one of the proudest moments in program history. Fans in Durham and beyond celebrated wildly as pick after pick, the names of Blue Devils echoed throughout the Barclays Center, where the 2025 NBA Draft took place.

Three of the Duke starters heard their names called during the prestigious first round, fulfilling their lifelong dreams of becoming NBA players. The remaining two weren’t far behind, going in the second round to complete a full sweep of Duke’s starting five into the professional ranks—a moment that resonates as both an achievement for the individuals and a testament to the unparalleled player development culture fostered by the Blue Devils.

Leading the charge for Duke on draft night was none other than Cooper Flagg, the generational forward whose one season at Duke electrified college basketball. As many anticipated, Flagg went No. 1 overall to the Dallas Mavericks, becoming the face of their future and igniting championship hopes in Dallas. His blend of athleticism, elite scoring ability, and defensive instincts made him a lock for the top pick, and his impact on the college game has already cemented his place in Duke lore.

But Flagg was just the beginning.

Four more Blue Devils followed him into the NBA spotlight. At No. 4 overall, Kon Knueppel was selected by the Charlotte Hornets. The versatile wing, known for his elite shooting, high basketball IQ, and steady play on both ends, instantly boosts Charlotte’s roster and brings a level of poise that belies his years. Though some critics debated the pick, the Hornets clearly believe Knueppel can grow into a franchise cornerstone.

Rounding out Duke’s first-round trio was Khaman Maluach, selected 10th overall by the Phoenix Suns. The towering center, known for his rim protection and raw athleticism, gives Phoenix an exciting young big to develop alongside their veteran stars. Maluach’s upside remains sky-high, and his development trajectory has scouts and fans alike buzzing about what he could become at the NBA level.

As the draft moved into the second round, the historic night for Duke basketball only intensified.

With the 33rd overall pick, the Charlotte Hornets doubled down on their Blue Devil investment, selecting Sion James. The do-it-all guard, praised for his defense, leadership, and ability to impact games without dominating the ball, represents the type of high-character, winning player NBA teams covet. James’ selection reunited him with Knueppel, potentially forming a dynamic duo that Hornets fans can rally behind for years to come.

Finally, the Cleveland Cavaliers made it official with the 49th pick by selecting Tyrese Proctor, Duke’s veteran guard and floor general. Proctor’s steady hand, court vision, and clutch shooting made him a fan favorite in Durham, and now, he’ll bring those same traits to a Cavaliers team looking to make noise in the Eastern Conference. His fall to the second round surprised some analysts, but his talent and experience should translate well to the professional stage.

In total, Duke tied the all-time college basketball record by sending five players from the same roster to the NBA in one draft—a benchmark that has only been achieved by the most legendary programs under the brightest lights. It’s a number that not only speaks to the individual excellence of each player but underscores the unparalleled depth, cohesion, and talent of the Blue Devils’ starting lineup last season.

Fans have every reason to feel proud, as this achievement encapsulates Duke’s ability to develop young stars, compete at the highest level, and consistently produce elite NBA talent. For head coach Jon Scheyer, the moment represents both validation and motivation. Taking over the reins from the legendary Mike Krzyzewski was no small task, but Scheyer has quickly made his own mark on the program, recruiting top-tier prospects and guiding them toward professional success.

In interviews following the draft, Scheyer couldn’t contain his excitement, calling the night “one of the proudest moments of my life” and thanking the players for their hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in the Blue Devil way. “These guys came to Duke with big dreams,” Scheyer said. “They put in the work, they sacrificed for the team, and now they’re being rewarded. I couldn’t be prouder.”

The players themselves shared in the emotion. Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick, spoke glowingly of his time at Duke and how it prepared him for this next chapter. “I came to Duke to get better, to compete, and to be part of something special,” Flagg said. “To see all five of us living out this dream together? It’s incredible.”

Kon Knueppel echoed those sentiments, saying, “Duke isn’t just a school. It’s a family. We pushed each other every day. We made each other better. And tonight, we all win.”

Indeed, this draft wasn’t just a victory for the individuals—it was a win for Duke Basketball, for the fans, for the city of Durham, and for college basketball as a whole. The 2025 NBA Draft will be remembered as a landmark moment when Duke’s dominance on the hardwood translated into professional success for an entire starting lineup.

As each of these five players embark on their NBA journeys, they carry with them the lessons, memories, and bonds formed during their time wearing Duke blue. Their collective success is a testament to their character, skill, and relentless pursuit of greatness.

For Duke fans, the draft served as both a farewell and a celebration. The hardwood at Cameron Indoor Stadium won’t be the same without these stars, but their legacy is cemented. Future recruits, inspired by what they witnessed, will surely dream of following in their footsteps.

And as the NBA season approaches, fans across the country will watch eagerly to see how the Blue Devils’ latest batch of NBA talent fares at the highest level.

From Durham to Dallas, Charlotte, Phoenix, and Cleveland—the Duke Blue Devils are everywhere. Their historic sweep of the 2025 NBA Draft will be remembered as a shining example of what’s possible when talent, hard work, and opportunity collide under the brightest lights in sports.