Duke’s Big 3 About to Cash In $63M-NBA Draft Shocker Incoming!
As the 2025 NBA Draft looms large on the horizon, one of the most captivating stories of the college basketball season has been unfolding in Durham, North Carolina. The Duke Blue Devils have produced yet another high-profile crop of players who are poised to shake up the NBA. The centerpiece of this excitement? The much-anticipated rise of Duke’s “Big 3″—a trio of highly talented players who are set to not only change the landscape of the NBA draft but could potentially rack up an astonishing $63 million in NBA contracts.
For decades, Duke University has been a pipeline to the NBA, continuously churning out elite-level talent. But with the 2025 NBA Draft drawing nearer, three players in particular—each possessing their own unique style, skill set, and potential—have caught the attention of scouts, analysts, and fans alike. As their names are set to dominate NBA Draft discussions, they could very well alter the course of the franchise that takes them in.
This article will delve into the backgrounds of each of these players, explore the whirlwind of expectations surrounding their futures, and ultimately answer the pressing question: How is it that Duke’s Big 3 could collectively lock in contracts worth a combined $63 million?
Before diving into the specifics of the 2025 NBA Draft, it’s important to understand the cultural and basketball significance of Duke University. Established in 1901, Duke has long been a powerhouse in the world of college basketball. Under the leadership of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, the Blue Devils amassed five NCAA championships, with numerous other tournament appearances, making them one of the most successful programs in the history of the sport. This legacy continues under current head coach Jon Scheyer, who took over the reins after Coach K’s retirement.
The 2025 Draft will be a culmination of the continued excellence of Duke’s recruitment and development system. Year after year, the Blue Devils produce NBA-ready players who contribute immediately in the pros. From Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett to Jayson Tatum and Kyrie Irving, the pipeline has been steady. But 2025 is special because it marks the potential for an unprecedented level of talent: the Big 3.
When discussing Duke’s Big 3, the first player that immediately comes to mind is Caleb Foster, a dynamic and versatile point guard who has been a standout for the Blue Devils in recent seasons. Foster’s game is characterized by his court vision, scoring ability, and leadership qualities, making him the perfect fit for the modern NBA point guard role. His combination of size (6’5″) and skill allows him to play multiple positions, and he has shown a remarkable ability to control the pace of the game.
Foster’s rise to prominence has been swift and powerful. He led Duke to an ACC Championship and an NCAA Tournament berth, with several clutch performances solidifying his reputation as a player who can perform under pressure. His scoring ability, particularly from beyond the arc, is what sets him apart. Averaging over 18 points per game during his sophomore season, Foster has shown he can be an immediate scoring threat at the next level.
Scouts have been particularly impressed with Foster’s defensive instincts and basketball IQ, both of which will be invaluable as he transitions to the NBA. Though he may not be the flashiest player in terms of athleticism, his precision and consistency make him a lock for a lottery pick. The major draw for NBA teams is his potential to be a two-way player—someone who can run an offense while also being a lock-down defender.
Looking at his potential NBA contract, Foster is expected to land a multi-year deal worth upwards of $20 million. With his ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game, he could earn even more depending on how he performs in the coming months leading up to the draft.
Mark Mitchell is the second player in Duke’s Big 3, a forward whose versatility and skill set make him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft. Standing at 6’8″, Mitchell has the ability to play both the small forward and power forward positions, and his combination of size, athleticism, and shooting touch make him an ideal fit for the modern NBA. His 3-point shooting has improved significantly during his time at Duke, and his defense is nothing short of elite. Mitchell has shown an ability to guard multiple positions, from wings to bigger forwards, which will be a crucial asset in today’s NBA.
One of Mitchell’s standout performances came in Duke’s win over a top-ranked rival, where he exploded for 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals. Games like that have made him a coveted player for NBA scouts who are seeking a two-way forward capable of contributing immediately. Mitchell’s well-rounded skill set could make him a potential starter in the NBA, and his ability to step in and fill a variety of roles gives him a high ceiling as a professional.
While Mitchell’s scoring prowess is clear, it’s his ability to impact the game without the ball that has NBA teams paying attention. His off-ball movement, cutting, and ability to crash the glass make him a player that can fit seamlessly into a variety of offensive schemes.
With several NBA teams seeking a player who can do it all, Mitchell is expected to command a contract somewhere in the ballpark of $18-20 million, depending on where he’s selected in the draft. His adaptability and all-around game make him one of the most well-rounded prospects in the class.
Rounding out Duke’s Big 3 is Tyrese Proctor, a guard whose shooting and playmaking ability make him a dangerous weapon at the next level. Proctor’s game is defined by his exceptional 3-point shooting, elite ball-handling skills, and the vision to create opportunities for his teammates. His ability to stretch the floor and score from anywhere on the court has made him one of the most dynamic offensive players in college basketball.
Proctor’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. In his second season at Duke, he emerged as one of the best shooters in the NCAA, consistently knocking down shots from beyond the arc with ease. His ability to create space with the ball and his knack for finding open teammates has drawn comparisons to some of the top guards in the NBA.
Defensively, Proctor is a high-energy player with quick hands and the ability to guard both backcourt positions. While his defensive game still has room for improvement, his work ethic and competitive drive suggest he can become a better defender at the next level.
Proctor is expected to garner a contract similar to his counterparts in the $20 million range, with his sharp shooting and offensive versatility making him a must-have prospect for teams looking to improve their perimeter scoring.
With the 2025 NBA Draft fast approaching, the combined contracts for Duke’s Big 3 could amount to an astounding $63 million in total earnings. This would be a historic moment for both the Blue Devils and the NBA, cementing their place as the preeminent pipeline for NBA talent.
-
Caleb Foster is likely to command a contract in the $20 million range, thanks to his all-around game and ability to be a primary contributor on both ends of the floor.
-
Mark Mitchell, with his versatility and defensive prowess, will also be in line for a $18-20 million deal, depending on the teams that express interest in his multi-position flexibility.
-
Tyrese Proctor, the elite shooter and playmaker, could secure a similar contract in the $20 million range, rounding out the Big 3’s potential combined earnings of $63 million.
Each player has the potential to make an immediate impact at the professional level, and while their earnings might be spread out depending on draft position, the total contracts could total over $63 million—an impressive testament to their talent and the Duke program’s continued dominance.
