Duke Basketball’s NBA Legacy Shines Bright as 11 Former Blue Devils Participate in 2025 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas
The NBA Summer League has become more than just a proving ground for rookies and fringe players—it’s now a stage where college basketball programs measure their developmental success. No program understands this better than Duke. The Blue Devils, under the historic guidance of Mike Krzyzewski and now continued by head coach Jon Scheyer, have remained one of the premier talent pipelines into the NBA. In the 2025 edition of the Las Vegas Summer League, Duke basketball’s impact was again unmistakable, with 11 former Blue Devils showcasing their skills, development, and potential in front of scouts, general managers, and fans.
This impressive showing wasn’t just about quantity but also quality. Each player, regardless of their NBA status—rookie, second-year, or journeyman—had a chance to make their mark. These 11 players represented the wide spectrum of Duke’s developmental reach, from top lottery picks to undrafted talent, each of whom brought a distinct element of the Duke DNA to the floor.
Among the most high-profile names to participate was Kyle Filipowski, the versatile big man who entered the NBA with considerable buzz. A second-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, Filipowski joined the Portland Trail Blazers’ Summer League roster with the intent to prove he belonged in the league from day one. His court awareness, shooting touch, and ability to rebound in traffic caught the attention of multiple analysts. In an era that values stretch bigs who can pass and defend, Filipowski looked ready to be a rotational player by the time preseason rolls around.
Meanwhile, Dereck Lively II—coming off a strong rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks—returned to Summer League not out of necessity, but to sharpen his skills. His presence was more veteran than hopeful, and he used the opportunity to mentor younger teammates while continuing to refine his pick-and-roll defense and shot-blocking timing. Lively’s size and mobility were apparent, and he played like a man on a mission to lock down a starting role in the upcoming NBA season.
Another standout performer was Mark Mitchell, who had declared for the 2025 draft after two seasons at Duke and signed with the Miami Heat as an undrafted free agent. The Summer League offered Mitchell a golden opportunity to display his all-around game. Known for his defensive versatility in college, Mitchell showed improvement in his handle and shot creation, two facets that scouts wanted to see evolve. In several games, he made clutch defensive plays while scoring in transition and spotting up from deep. His play didn’t just turn heads—it likely earned him a training camp invite and a serious shot at a two-way contract.
On the guard side, Tyrese Proctor and Jeremy Roach both made valuable appearances. Proctor, who returned for a sophomore season before jumping to the NBA, played for the Boston Celtics’ Summer League squad. His smooth stroke, court vision, and calmness under pressure were on full display. Proctor’s biggest knock entering the draft was his lack of assertiveness, but in Las Vegas, he looked like a leader. He pushed pace, made smart reads, and hit timely shots—a combination that could quickly place him in the Celtics’ rotation if he keeps progressing.
Roach, who spent four seasons at Duke, is one of the most seasoned college players to make the jump in recent years. Playing with the Phoenix Suns’ Summer League team, Roach embodied maturity. He didn’t force plays, took what the defense gave him, and showed a level of poise that contrasted with some of the younger, flashier guards. It remains to be seen whether Roach carves out a permanent spot on an NBA roster, but the Summer League performance may have silenced some doubts about his pro potential.
Tre Jones, already an established NBA player with the San Antonio Spurs, made a brief Summer League appearance more as a tone-setter than a player with something to prove. With the Spurs bringing in new young talent, Jones offered guidance and steadiness at the point guard spot. His presence reminded everyone of his classic Duke traits: strong decision-making, defense-first mindset, and team-first mentality.
Cassius Stanley and Jalen Johnson also took part in the Vegas circuit. Stanley, still fighting for a long-term NBA opportunity, demonstrated that his elite athleticism hasn’t faded. With high-flying dunks and tenacious on-ball defense, he served as a reminder of the kind of upside that once made him a second-round pick. Jalen Johnson, now a few years into his NBA journey with the Atlanta Hawks, used the Summer League as a chance to regain rhythm after a series of minor injuries last season. He showed strong rebounding, improved footwork, and a more confident jumper—all good signs as he attempts to solidify a bench role heading into the regular season.
One of the more intriguing appearances came from Wendell Moore Jr., who’s been in and out of the G-League since being drafted. Moore’s time with the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Summer League team seemed to be about staking a final claim to an NBA roster spot. He played with urgency, crashing the boards, taking charges, and initiating offense when needed. The coaches praised his professionalism and adaptability—two traits that could earn him another contract, whether in Minnesota or elsewhere.
Also making waves was AJ Griffin, who is entering his third season with the Atlanta Hawks. Griffin didn’t need to be in Summer League, but his desire to refine certain aspects of his game—especially his lateral quickness and defensive footwork—was commendable. He didn’t play many minutes, but when he did, he looked like a pro working through specific goals, not someone trying to make a name for himself.
This wave of Duke players dominating the Summer League scene is not a surprise to those who’ve followed the program closely. Duke has long produced NBA-ready players, but the diversity of roles on display this summer—ranging from stars in the making to role-playing glue guys—reflects the school’s evolution under Coach Scheyer. It’s no longer just about churning out lottery picks, but about preparing players for sustainable careers in all layers of the league.
The presence of so many Duke alumni in Las Vegas also underscores the strength of the program’s alumni network. Off the court, the Blue Devils kept close. They watched each other’s games, trained together between sessions, and offered advice. There’s a sense of fraternity among Duke players, regardless of graduation year or NBA experience, that gives them a unique edge in their professional journeys. In a league where support systems can make or break a career, that Duke bond can be invaluable.
Beyond individual development, the NBA Summer League was also a marketing win for Duke basketball. Every time a former Blue Devil made a highlight play or impressed on defense, it was a quiet advertisement to future recruits. Duke continues to be a beacon for top talent, not just because of its storied history, but because of how well it prepares athletes for the next level. The message was loud and clear in Las Vegas: if you want to get to the NBA and stay there, Duke is one of the best paths.
As the summer winds down and teams begin assembling their final rosters ahead of training camp, many of these Duke players face uncertain futures. Some will make rosters outright. Others will sign two-way contracts or be stashed in the G-League. A few might explore international opportunities. But regardless of the next step, their shared foundation at Duke has equipped them with the tools, habits, and professionalism to succeed wherever they land.
In the end, the 2025 NBA Summer League wasn’t just a glimpse into the future of these 11 individual players—it was a powerful reminder of Duke basketball’s lasting legacy and growing influence in the modern NBA. Whether as stars, role players, or mentors, the Blue Devils continue to leave their imprint on every level of the game.
