Duke Basketball Dominates NBA Draft Headlines with Historic Three Projected Top-10 Picks from the 2025 Blue Devils Roster

The Duke Blue Devils have long been synonymous with college basketball excellence, producing NBA talent at a staggering rate. Yet, even by Duke’s lofty standards, the 2025 NBA Draft class is shaping up to be something truly historic. For only the second time in program history, Duke is projected to have three players selected within the top 10 picks of the NBA Draft—a feat that underscores the sheer dominance, development, and recruiting prowess of head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff.

This season, the Blue Devils entered the year as one of the nation’s most watched programs, thanks to an extraordinary blend of returning talent and elite freshmen recruits. While Duke fans have grown accustomed to seeing their stars land in the NBA, the convergence of three top-tier prospects ascending draft boards together has reignited excitement across Durham and beyond.

At the heart of this projected triple-threat draft class are Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Isaiah Evans. Each has carved out their own niche, yet all share a common thread: elite skill, positional versatility, and the basketball IQ that defines Duke’s program.

Leading the trio is Cooper Flagg, a name that has been on NBA scouts’ radars since he was in high school. Hailing from Newport, Maine, Flagg arrived in Durham with immense expectations as one of the most hyped recruits in recent memory. Remarkably, he has exceeded those expectations, showcasing an all-around game that blends defense, playmaking, and scoring in ways few forwards can.

Flagg’s impact on both ends of the court has been impossible to ignore. Standing at 6-foot-9 with guard-like agility, Flagg possesses a rare ability to switch onto multiple positions, protect the rim, and space the floor offensively. His court vision and unselfish play have drawn comparisons to NBA stars like Jayson Tatum and Scottie Barnes, yet Flagg has maintained his own distinct identity, rooted in competitiveness and relentless work ethic.

Throughout the 2024-25 season, Flagg has delivered highlight-reel plays and clutch performances that have kept the Blue Devils among the nation’s elite. His draft stock, already sky-high entering the year, has only solidified, with most mock drafts slotting him as a top-3 selection and some even projecting him to go first overall. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him arguably the most complete prospect in this year’s draft pool.

Joining Flagg among the projected top-10 is Kon Knueppel, the sharpshooting wing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, whose offensive repertoire has NBA scouts salivating. Known for his precision shooting, scoring instincts, and high basketball IQ, Knueppel has emerged as one of the nation’s most lethal perimeter threats. But he is far more than just a shooter.

Knueppel’s ability to create off the dribble, find open teammates, and make the right reads has made him invaluable to Duke’s offensive schemes. His advanced footwork, understanding of spacing, and ability to shoot off movement have drawn comparisons to the likes of Klay Thompson and Kevin Huerter. Yet, his polished, fundamentally sound approach to the game also reflects the classic Duke mold—disciplined, unselfish, and team-first.

Throughout the season, Knueppel has been a model of consistency, knocking down big shots and displaying composure in high-pressure situations. His rise into the top-10 conversation has been fueled not only by his offensive output but also by his willingness to embrace defensive assignments and make hustle plays that don’t always show up on the stat sheet. As the modern NBA continues to covet wings who can shoot, defend, and make smart decisions, Knueppel checks every box, making his selection within the top 10 all but inevitable.

The third projected top-10 pick from Duke’s roster is Isaiah Evans, the dynamic guard whose scoring prowess and versatility have captured the attention of front offices across the NBA. Known for his explosive athleticism, fluid ball-handling, and ability to score at all three levels, Evans represents the new wave of combo guards reshaping the modern NBA landscape.

Coming into the 2024-25 season, Evans was considered a five-star talent with immense upside. Over the months, he has transformed that potential into production, consistently delivering electrifying performances for the Blue Devils. His first-step quickness, creativity off the bounce, and improved three-point shooting have propelled him into the upper echelon of draft prospects.

Evans’ skill set extends beyond pure scoring. His court vision, ability to facilitate in transition, and commitment to defensive intensity have showcased his growth as an all-around player. NBA teams value guards who can not only create offense but also defend multiple positions—a profile that Evans embodies. His continued ascent into the top-10 projections reflects both his natural talent and the player development infrastructure that Duke is renowned for.

The possibility of three top-10 picks in one draft class is rare, even for blue-blood programs like Duke. Historically, the Blue Devils have produced stacked draft classes, with the likes of Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, and Cam Reddish all going in the top-10 in 2019. However, the 2025 class has the potential to rival that historic output, perhaps even surpass it in terms of long-term NBA impact.

For head coach Jon Scheyer, the success of Flagg, Knueppel, and Evans represents a significant milestone. Taking the reins from legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski was no small task, but Scheyer has managed to maintain Duke’s elite recruiting pipeline while also cultivating player development at the highest level. This year’s draft projections serve as a testament to his ability to identify talent, foster growth, and prepare players for the next level.

The significance of Duke’s 2025 draft trio extends beyond draft night headlines. It reflects a broader resurgence of the program’s influence in college basketball and its role in shaping the future of the NBA. As more elite recruits witness the rapid development and national exposure that Duke offers, the program’s ability to attract generational talents like Flagg, Knueppel, and Evans will only strengthen.

Moreover, the presence of three top-10 prospects on a single roster has elevated the Blue Devils’ performance this season. Their combination of size, skill, and versatility has made Duke one of the most dangerous teams in the nation, capable of competing with—and beating—any opponent. Fans have packed Cameron Indoor Stadium to witness this historic group, while opposing coaches have scrambled to devise game plans to contain them.

The success of these three players also speaks to the changing dynamics of college basketball. With the advent of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and increased flexibility for athletes to monetize their brand, elite prospects like Flagg, Knueppel, and Evans have more incentive to develop at the college level before making the NBA leap. Duke, with its global brand and strong alumni network, has emerged as a prime destination for those seeking to maximize both their on-court development and off-court opportunities.

As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, the basketball world will be watching closely to see where this trio lands. For Duke fans, the draft represents both a celebration of their players’ success and a glimpse into the program’s future, as new recruits look to follow in the footsteps of Flagg, Knueppel, and Evans.

Ultimately, the potential of three top-10 picks reinforces Duke’s status as a basketball powerhouse, a breeding ground for NBA stars, and a program that continues to shape the future of the sport. If these projections hold, the 2025 draft will be etched in the history books—not just for Duke, but for college basketball as a whole.