Duke Basketball Makes History with Entire Starting Lineup Selected in NBA Draft, Including Three Players Taken in the Top Ten
Duke University’s basketball program has long been a powerhouse, consistently producing elite talent capable of succeeding at the next level. But what unfolded during the 2025 NBA Draft was not just another chapter in their storied history—it was a monumental moment that may never be replicated. For the first time in the modern era, an entire starting lineup from a single college team was selected in a single NBA Draft, with three of those players going in the top ten. It was a feat of extraordinary significance that not only reaffirmed Duke’s place atop the college basketball hierarchy but also left a profound mark on the NBA’s future.
This historic event comes after a spectacular season in which Duke dominated the NCAA landscape with cohesion, talent, and a brand of basketball that combined old-school grit with modern versatility. Under the leadership of head coach Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils assembled a roster that was both immensely skilled and perfectly balanced across all five positions. Each member of the starting five brought a unique skill set to the table, contributing to the team’s deep NCAA Tournament run and making a compelling case for NBA scouts and general managers.
The first of Duke’s starters to hear his name called on draft night was the electrifying combo guard, Jalen Mitchell. A relentless scorer with the poise of a veteran and the explosiveness of a top-tier athlete, Mitchell was selected with the No. 3 overall pick by the Detroit Pistons. Known for his dynamic shot-creation, lockdown perimeter defense, and high basketball IQ, Mitchell had long been viewed as a can’t-miss prospect. His selection in the top three solidified his status as one of the most complete guards to emerge from college in recent memory.
Shortly after Mitchell, his teammate and frontcourt enforcer Malik Bradley was taken with the No. 6 overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets. Bradley, a 6’11” big man with a rare combination of length, mobility, and offensive skill, was a game-changer on both ends of the court for Duke. Whether protecting the rim or stretching the floor with his smooth mid-range jumper, Bradley was a matchup nightmare in the ACC and is projected to be a foundational piece for the rebuilding Hornets.
The third top-10 pick from Duke was the silky smooth small forward Elijah Trent, who went No. 9 to the Utah Jazz. A wing with size, shooting touch, and a calm demeanor under pressure, Trent was the glue guy for the Blue Devils. His versatility allowed him to defend multiple positions and function as a secondary ball-handler, attributes that make him a seamless fit in today’s positionless NBA game. Scouts raved about his maturity and professionalism throughout the draft process, and Utah saw in him a cornerstone piece with All-Star potential.
But the Blue Devils’ draft night didn’t stop there. At No. 21, point guard Marcus Davis heard his name called by the Philadelphia 76ers. Davis was the engine behind Duke’s offense, a maestro in the pick-and-roll with impeccable court vision and a knack for controlling tempo. Though he flew slightly under the radar compared to his higher-profile teammates, NBA executives understood his value—he was the type of steadying presence every team covets. With his basketball IQ and unselfish playstyle, Davis is expected to thrive as a floor general and culture-setter at the professional level.
Finally, rounding out the group was power forward Jamari Holt, who went No. 29 overall to the Denver Nuggets. Holt was the heartbeat of the team, a rugged rebounder and emotional leader who played with intensity and hustle every possession. Though he wasn’t always the flashiest player on the court, his toughness and willingness to do the dirty work were essential to Duke’s success. With his motor and defensive tenacity, he figures to be an immediate contributor in a high-functioning Nuggets system.
The sheer magnitude of five starters being drafted—let alone three in the top ten—is almost unprecedented. It speaks to the extraordinary talent, development, and chemistry that defined this particular Duke squad. It also speaks volumes about the recruiting and player development acumen of Coach Jon Scheyer, who now steps out of the shadow of his predecessor Mike Krzyzewski with a legacy moment of his own. Leading a team to such heights and seeing every starter reach the NBA in a single draft cycle is a testament to the program’s sustained excellence.
Beyond the headlines and social media buzz, this event carries deep implications for both the college and professional levels of the sport. For one, it reaffirms Duke’s standing as the ultimate destination for high-level talent with NBA aspirations. Recruits now have living proof that the path to the league can be carved not just individually but collectively within the Duke ecosystem. This kind of success doesn’t just attract top prospects—it multiplies them.
In the NBA, meanwhile, the impact will be felt almost immediately. The teams that selected these Blue Devils didn’t just draft talent—they drafted cohesion. These five players developed a synergy on the court that only years of experience and shared goals can produce. While they’ll be on different teams now, the habits they formed playing together—hard screens, timely cuts, switching on defense, and spacing the floor—will travel with them. Coaches and teammates in the league will quickly realize they’re getting more than rookies; they’re getting professionals in every sense of the word.
There’s also a larger conversation to be had about the changing nature of college basketball and how programs like Duke are adapting. With the rise of the transfer portal, NIL deals, and alternative paths like the G-League Ignite or Overtime Elite, elite players have more options than ever. Yet Duke continues to thrive, maintaining its blue-chip status through stability, tradition, and a proven NBA pipeline. That all five starters stayed healthy, eligible, and focused enough to reach the draft together is a testament to Duke’s structure and support system.
Critics may point to the one-and-done era as diluting college basketball, but what Duke accomplished offers a counter-narrative—elite talent can come together, stay for at least a season, win, grow, and then leap to the next level in unison. It was not just a showcase of individual brilliance but of collective excellence, teamwork, and shared ambition. In a sport often defined by superstars, this Duke team reminded everyone of the beauty and power of unity.
For the fans, this draft night was emotional and exhilarating. Watching five familiar faces realize their dreams on the same night was a once-in-a-generation experience. Social media exploded with tributes, reaction videos, and montages of their collegiate highlights. Cameron Indoor Stadium became more than a home court—it was the launching pad for a group of young men whose journeys began together and will now span across the NBA map.
Even beyond basketball, the human element of this story resonates. These five players weren’t just teammates; they were brothers who battled together, lifted each other up, and sacrificed personal glory for collective achievement. Their draft night was the culmination of not just talent, but trust and dedication. For fans of the game, it was a reminder of why we watch: the dreams fulfilled, the friendships formed, and the legacies cemented.
As they now disperse to NBA cities across the country, the world will be watching to see how they fare. Will Jalen Mitchell rise to stardom in Detroit? Can Malik Bradley become the Hornets’ long-awaited big man of the future? Will Elijah Trent shine under Utah’s lights? How quickly can Marcus Davis adapt to running an NBA offense? And will Jamari Holt’s grit and glue keep him on the floor in Denver’s championship-caliber system?
These are the questions that will shape the next chapter. But one thing is already certain: this Duke starting five has etched its place in history. They didn’t just play college basketball—they elevated it. They didn’t just make the NBA—they redefined what’s possible for a group of college teammates. And in doing so, they’ve left a legacy that will inspire the next generation of Blue Devils and beyond.
