Early 2026 NBA Mock Drafts Flooded with Duke Stars as JJ Jackson and Kevin Connelly Break Down Blue Devil Dominance Ahead
JJ Jackson, host of the popular Locked On Blue Devils podcast, recently sat down with Kevin Connelly, site expert for Ball Durham, to discuss the buzz surrounding the early 2026 NBA Mock Drafts. The conversation, which has sparked widespread excitement among Duke fans and college basketball followers alike, centered around the unusually high number of Duke players projected to hear their names called early and often come June 2026.
The 2025–26 college basketball season is still several months away, but draft analysts and NBA scouts are already drooling over the talent assembled in Durham. From top-tier freshmen to rising sophomores, the Blue Devils once again appear poised to dominate not just the college basketball landscape—but the NBA Draft stage as well. Jackson and Connelly’s conversation highlights how Duke’s recruiting prowess and player development machine continue to set the gold standard in college hoops.
“It’s starting to feel like one of those vintage Duke classes,” Connelly remarked early in the interview. “You look back at some of those years—2014, 2018, 2022—this 2025 class might end up right there with them, if not better. And when you add in the returning talent, you’re looking at a legitimate six, maybe seven players who could go in the top 40.”
Among those leading the charge is consensus No. 1 overall high school recruit, Jayden “Juke” Harris, a 6’9” forward with guard-like handle and a silky shooting stroke. Harris, who committed to Duke over Kansas, Kentucky, and the G-League Ignite, is already being projected as the potential top pick in several mock drafts. His unique combination of size, scoring ability, and perimeter defense has drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant—lofty praise for a player yet to suit up in a college game.
“Harris is the crown jewel,” said Jackson. “But what really excites me is how well the pieces around him complement each other. This isn’t just one-and-done talent—they’re guys who could all be first-rounders in the same class.”
One of those complementary stars is Elijah Moore, a versatile combo guard who turned heads during the spring All-American circuit. Moore is being projected anywhere from the late lottery to the mid-first round in most mock drafts. His court vision, defensive anticipation, and ability to play both on and off the ball make him a tantalizing prospect for NBA teams looking for backcourt versatility.
Then there’s Khaman Maluach, the towering 7’2” center from South Sudan who reclassified into the 2025 class to join Duke this fall. Maluach, a product of the NBA Academy Africa, brings elite shot-blocking and vertical spacing to the table. His raw athleticism and upside have scouts projecting him as a mid-to-late first-round pick depending on how quickly he adjusts to the college game.
Adding to the already loaded lineup is Caleb Wilson, a 6’10” forward known for his face-up game and polished footwork. Wilson was ranked in the top 10 of nearly every major recruiting outlet and chose Duke for its history of developing forwards. Some scouts believe he could vault into the top five of the 2026 Draft with a strong freshman campaign.
But it’s not just the freshmen who are generating buzz.
Sophomores like Isaiah Evans and Jared McCain are both expected to take major leaps in their second seasons. McCain, who tested the draft waters in 2025 before withdrawing, is a tough-nosed shooter with deep range and leadership qualities. Evans, a lengthy wing with explosive athleticism, flashed NBA-level potential during the ACC Tournament and NCAA run.
“McCain could easily be a top-20 guy next summer,” Connelly explained. “He’s already got the intangibles and the work ethic, and if he shows improved defense and playmaking, he’s going to climb boards quickly.”
Evans, meanwhile, may have the highest ceiling of any sophomore in the country. His length and transition game are tailor-made for today’s NBA, and scouts believe his 3-point shot will come around with another year of development.
Rounding out the potential draft class is senior forward Mark Mitchell, who returned to Duke for his final year with something to prove. While Mitchell may not have the flash of some of his younger teammates, his physicality, defensive instincts, and improved outside shooting could make him a coveted second-round pick or two-way candidate. Teams love experienced, ready-to-contribute wings, and Mitchell fits that mold.
Jackson and Connelly also discussed how Jon Scheyer has seamlessly continued Duke’s NBA pipeline tradition since taking over for Coach K. Scheyer’s ability to recruit elite talent, earn trust from top prospects, and maintain a player-first culture has helped Duke not only stay relevant—but elevate its NBA credibility.
“Scheyer’s done a phenomenal job,” said Connelly. “There were doubts when he took over, but now you see the results. He’s keeping the top-five recruiting classes rolling, guys are developing, and they’re winning.”
Scheyer’s emphasis on spacing, pace, and defensive switching aligns well with modern NBA systems, which only adds to the appeal for recruits. And with a staff loaded with former NBA players and assistants with pro experience, Duke’s player development remains second to none.
“NBA teams trust Duke players,” Jackson added. “They know they’re getting high-character guys who’ve been coached hard, who’ve had to earn their minutes, and who’ve been under the microscope.”
With the 2026 Draft more than a year away, a lot can—and will—change. Injuries, role shifts, and unexpected breakout stars always shake up the landscape. But the early consensus is clear: Duke has a loaded roster, and the NBA is watching closely.
Some analysts are even predicting that Duke could tie or break Kentucky’s record of six players taken in one draft. That would be a monumental achievement, not just for Scheyer but for the entire program. It would also cement the 2025–26 Duke squad as one of the most talented teams in school history.
“It’s not just about being good in college anymore,” Connelly noted. “It’s about preparing guys for the next level. That’s what Duke is doing better than anyone.”
The conversation concluded with a look ahead to the 2025–26 season, where Duke is expected to be a preseason top-three team and a favorite to cut down the nets in April. With talent at every position, depth across the bench, and a coach who understands the moment, the Blue Devils have a chance to do something special.
And if all goes according to plan, the fireworks of the 2026 NBA Draft will be laced with Duke blue from beginning to end.
As JJ Jackson so aptly summarized: “The Brotherhood is more than a hashtag—it’s a legacy. And 2026 might just be the year it reaches its peak.”
