Former Duke Blue Devils Reunite as Incoming NBA Rookies, Rekindling Brotherhood and Reflecting on Journey from Durham to Pro Stage
In the fast-paced world of basketball, where players move swiftly from college stardom to professional aspirations, the bond formed at Duke University often stands the test of time. Recently, a small but meaningful reunion took place — a gathering of several former Duke Blue Devils who were teammates just a season ago and now find themselves on the threshold of their NBA careers. Though they now wear different jerseys and represent different cities, their connection to each other and to Duke remains as strong as ever.
This impromptu reunion didn’t take place on campus or at Cameron Indoor Stadium, but rather during the 2025 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. With players from every NBA franchise convening for offseason action, it was only a matter of time before the Duke contingent crossed paths again. For these rookies — all part of the brotherhood and former teammates under Jon Scheyer’s tutelage — the reunion wasn’t just a casual meetup; it was a moment to reflect, celebrate, and prepare for what comes next.
The rookies — all drafted or signed in the 2025 NBA Draft cycle — had been through a whirlwind few months. From NCAA Tournament battles to pre-draft workouts, media obligations, and ultimately hearing their names called on draft night, life had changed dramatically. But even amidst the excitement and pressure of joining the NBA, there remained something grounding in seeing familiar faces. The bond they forged at Duke, built on shared experiences, challenges, and victories, created a brotherhood that carried beyond the court.
These former teammates shared memories that only they could truly understand — grueling practices at Duke, late-night film sessions, tough losses, thrilling wins, the scrutiny of playing for one of college basketball’s most storied programs. Now, they stood on NBA hardwood, in new uniforms, surrounded by new teammates and coaches, but with that unmistakable Duke DNA running through them.
The significance of their reunion was clear. For many of these players, Duke was more than just a stop on the way to the NBA. It was where they matured, learned the value of preparation, and discovered how to carry themselves like professionals. Under Jon Scheyer, they developed not just as athletes, but as leaders, teammates, and men. That transformation wasn’t lost on them as they reunited — laughing, exchanging stories, offering advice, and encouraging each other before and after games.
One former Blue Devil, now a rising rookie with a lottery pedigree, said during the reunion, “No matter where we go, Duke is home. These guys — they’re my brothers. And it’s crazy to see us all out here chasing our dreams.”
The camaraderie was evident as the players embraced before and after games, attended each other’s matchups, and even shared meals in Las Vegas. For all the competition inherent in the NBA, especially among rookies fighting to carve out roles, the atmosphere among the Duke alumni was nothing but supportive. It was clear that the “brotherhood” branding at Duke isn’t just a recruiting pitch — it’s a lived experience.
What makes this reunion even more special is how these players’ individual paths to the NBA diverged. Some were one-and-done standouts — freshmen who showed enough upside to make the leap early. Others were multi-year contributors who honed their skills and improved draft stock over time. Some heard their names called in the first round, while others waited until late in the second or signed as undrafted free agents. And yet, regardless of how they arrived at this point, they stood together — equal parts proud and humbled by their shared journey.
Behind the scenes, coaches, agents, and media members took notice of the reunion as well. Duke’s presence in the NBA remains strong, and gatherings like this reinforce why. The players are not only skilled and competitive — they carry themselves with professionalism, humility, and maturity. It’s a reflection of the culture instilled in them during their time in Durham, and a testament to the continuity and values of the program under Scheyer.
For Scheyer himself, watching his former players meet again on the NBA stage is a proud moment. As a former Duke star turned head coach, Scheyer understands the journey from campus to the league better than most. He’s built a culture around personal development, mental toughness, and accountability — all of which have prepared his players for life beyond college basketball.
Sources close to the program say Scheyer stayed in contact with all his NBA-bound players throughout the draft process, offering advice and checking in during Summer League. For him, coaching doesn’t stop once a player leaves. The relationships continue, just as they did under Coach K. That continuity and care are part of what makes Duke’s basketball program not just elite, but deeply connected across generations.
During their time in Las Vegas, the former Blue Devils also took a few moments to reflect on their college days. Whether it was reminiscing about road trips, joking about intense practices, or sharing how they’ve grown since leaving Duke, the sense of nostalgia was strong. For fans watching from afar, seeing these players together again offered a glimpse into the personal side of college basketball — the friendships, the sacrifices, and the lessons that go far beyond wins and losses.
One rookie shared with reporters, “Coach Scheyer used to always tell us, ‘How you do anything is how you do everything.’ That’s stuck with me. Whether I’m in Summer League or in a playoff game one day, I’m bringing that mentality.”
The reunion also gave the players a chance to discuss how their games are translating to the next level. For many, the adjustment to the speed, physicality, and spacing of the NBA has been an eye-opener. But leaning on each other, even briefly, helped calm the nerves and reinforce their readiness. They’ve all come from high-pressure environments. They’ve all battled in front of 9,000 fans at Cameron Indoor. They’ve all faced top-ranked opponents and delivered under bright lights. That experience doesn’t fade — it fuels them.
As the NBA Summer League winds down and these rookies prepare to return to their respective teams, their reunion will likely be one of the summer’s most memorable moments. Not because of viral highlights or flashy headlines — but because of what it represented. A brotherhood that endures. A shared legacy. A reminder that even as they chase individual dreams, they are forever linked by a singular experience: Duke Basketball.
For fans of the program, seeing former players supporting each other on the professional stage is a source of pride. It reinforces the idea that Duke doesn’t just produce NBA players — it produces high-character individuals who represent the program long after they’ve taken off the jersey.
There will be more reunions in the years to come. More Duke players will make the leap, and more alumni will link up during All-Star weekends, training camps, or overseas stints. But this one, coming fresh off their college careers and in the heart of their NBA transition, held something uniquely special.
It was a celebration of what they’ve achieved — and a promise of what’s still to come.
And as they head into the next chapter of their basketball lives, one thing is certain: the brotherhood lives on.
