Historic 2025 NBA Draft Shines Blue as Duke Sends Three Into Top 10 and Five Total Players Into NBA Ranks
The 2025 NBA Draft will be remembered as a night when the Duke Blue Devils took center stage and reaffirmed their storied legacy as a college basketball powerhouse. For a program that has consistently churned out NBA talent under the likes of legendary coaches Mike Krzyzewski and now Jon Scheyer, this year’s draft wasn’t just successful—it was historic. Duke had three former players selected within the first ten picks and five total selected in the first round, a feat matched by few programs in the modern draft era.
From the moment the lottery began, there was anticipation surrounding Duke’s prominent presence, and they did not disappoint. The first Blue Devil off the board was All-American forward Khamari Thompson, a versatile wing with elite defensive tools and explosive athleticism. Selected third overall by the Charlotte Hornets, Thompson was a dominant presence all season long, leading Duke to an ACC title and deep NCAA tournament run. With his 6’8” frame, defensive versatility, and offensive polish, he immediately projected as a foundational piece for the rebuilding Hornets.
Just two picks later, another Blue Devil heard his name called. Point guard Jaylen Cross went fifth overall to the Detroit Pistons, giving the franchise a floor general with elite court vision, deep shooting range, and the type of leadership that defined Duke’s identity this past season. Cross, known for his clutch performances and ability to elevate his teammates, was often considered the “heartbeat” of the Duke squad. His combination of speed, playmaking, and defensive intensity made him one of the most NBA-ready guards in the draft.
Not far behind, the third top-10 Duke product, stretch big man Isaiah Ward, went ninth overall to the Memphis Grizzlies. Ward brought a unique skill set to the table—a 6’10” frame with a soft shooting touch from deep and the mobility to defend multiple positions. His pick-and-pop ability, combined with a high basketball IQ, made him a coveted prospect, particularly for teams looking to modernize their frontcourt.
By the time the lottery ended, Duke had already made history. But the night wasn’t over for the Blue Devils. Two more players from the program were drafted later in the first round: guard Trevon Lewis and wing-forward Marcus Bell. Lewis, known for his spark-plug scoring and tenacity on defense, was selected 21st overall by the New Orleans Pelicans. Bell, a 3-and-D specialist with strong rebounding ability, went 28th to the Boston Celtics.
Having five players drafted from one school is an accomplishment in any year. But to have three within the top 10 is truly exceptional. It speaks not only to the individual talents of these athletes but to the strength of Duke’s player development system, the competitiveness of its schedule, and the national spotlight under which its players consistently perform.
The 2025 draft class had long been viewed as one of the strongest in recent memory, with multiple prospects viewed as potential franchise changers. For Duke to have such a dominant presence in this class is a testament to the recruiting acumen and coaching strategies of head coach Jon Scheyer. Taking over from a legend like Coach K was never going to be easy, but Scheyer has not only maintained Duke’s elite status—he’s now added his own historical footprint to it.
In post-draft interviews, each of the selected Duke players credited their time in Durham as critical to their success. Khamari Thompson praised the staff for “never letting [him] get comfortable” and pushing him to develop new layers to his game. Jaylen Cross noted how the competitive practices at Duke prepared him for the rigors of the NBA, saying, “Every day felt like a war. Iron sharpens iron.” Meanwhile, Isaiah Ward spoke about the mental growth he experienced under Scheyer, particularly in learning how to read the game at a higher level.
Scouts and executives across the NBA have long viewed Duke as a safe bet when evaluating prospects. The program’s players typically arrive in the league ready to contribute, both because of their skill and because of their professionalism. That trend continued this year, as each of Duke’s top selections interviewed well, tested well at the combine, and showed maturity that appealed to front offices looking for foundational pieces.
From a broader perspective, Duke’s historic showing in the 2025 draft also impacts college basketball as a whole. As the sport continues to evolve—especially with changes to NIL rules and the growing appeal of alternative paths to the NBA such as the G League Ignite or overseas options—the ability of college programs to produce NBA stars remains vital. Duke’s success sends a clear message to top high school recruits: the road to the NBA can still run through Durham.
It also reflects the evolving recruiting strategy under Scheyer. Unlike some programs that rely solely on five-star talent, Duke has embraced a balanced approach—bringing in top-tier high school recruits while also targeting veteran transfers who provide leadership and experience. This mixture has created a competitive, accountable culture that develops winners.
One of the more compelling storylines from the night was the bond shared between the drafted Duke players. All five have been vocal about their brotherhood and how it helped them stay grounded during the pressures of the season and the pre-draft process. Jaylen Cross and Khamari Thompson, in particular, were known for their close friendship and often worked out together in preparation for the combine. Their celebrations on draft night were heartfelt, emotional, and emblematic of what Duke basketball has become—a family.
The success of the 2025 class is likely to create a domino effect for the program. Already, Duke is heavily favored to land several five-star recruits in the 2026 and 2027 classes. Seeing peers succeed in the draft, particularly in such dominant fashion, is a powerful recruiting tool. Parents and prospects alike take note of where players develop, improve, and ultimately achieve their professional dreams.
Beyond just the players themselves, Duke’s showing at the draft brought pride to the entire fanbase. Social media lit up with former players, coaches, and alumni congratulating the newest batch of NBA Blue Devils. From Grant Hill to Jayson Tatum, many of Duke’s NBA alums chimed in with celebratory posts, showing the deep network and enduring legacy of the program.
In terms of pure numbers, Duke’s 2025 draft class now stands as one of the greatest in school—and NCAA—history. Only a handful of programs have managed to send five players into the first round in a single draft, and fewer still have had three players taken in the top 10. This level of success puts Duke in rarefied air alongside bluebloods like Kentucky and North Carolina, further cementing its elite status in the college basketball hierarchy.
Even though the draft is over, the journey for these five players is just beginning. Summer League games, training camps, and the grind of an NBA season await. But with the foundation built at Duke, they’re entering the league more prepared than most. And while their professional paths will soon diverge, they’ll always share the bond of being part of a legendary night—one that redefined what it means to be a Duke Blue Devil in the NBA Draft.
For head coach Jon Scheyer, the night was both validation and inspiration. It validated the work he and his staff have done over the past few years and inspired him to keep pushing the program forward. “This is just the beginning,” Scheyer said during a televised interview. “We’re proud of what our guys accomplished, but we’re even more excited about what comes next.”
If the 2025 draft was any indication, what comes next for Duke basketball—and the players it continues to produce—is nothing short of greatness.
