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The 2025 NBA Draft will be remembered for many moments, but none more striking than the overwhelming dominance of one program: Duke University. In a jaw-dropping display of collegiate-to-professional power, five Duke Blue Devils heard their names called across a single draft night, sending the basketball world into a frenzy. This wasn’t just a proud night for the program—it was a seismic statement. From the opening picks to the late first round, the unmistakable theme of the night was that Duke Basketball isn’t just surviving in the one-and-done era—it’s thriving.
Under the leadership of head coach Jon Scheyer, who has seamlessly taken the reins from legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, the Duke Blue Devils have entered a new era—not one of rebuilding, but of relentless reloading. The 2025 NBA Draft saw Scheyer’s recruiting and player development model reach new heights. Five players from his roster were selected, each bringing their own unique skillset, story, and promise of stardom to the next level.
Cameron Boozer, the son of former NBA star Carlos Boozer, became the headline grabber. As expected, he was among the earliest picks of the night. His name echoed through the arena amid roaring applause, signaling not just the arrival of a top-tier talent, but the continuation of Duke’s legacy of producing elite prospects. Boozer’s combination of athleticism, poise, and high basketball IQ made him a consensus top-three selection, and he looked every bit the part in his polished draft suit and composed demeanor. As he walked across the stage, embraced the commissioner, and donned his new team’s cap, it was clear that a new star was born.
Just minutes later, another Blue Devil followed. Guard Isaiah Evans, whose dynamic scoring and defensive tenacity had NBA scouts salivating all season, came off the board in the top ten. Evans had been on radars since high school, and his lone season at Duke only amplified his reputation. His electric play, often punctuated by high-flying dunks and fearless drives into the paint, gave him the label of a game-changer. On draft night, the moment confirmed what many already knew: Evans was built for this stage.
But the night was far from over for Duke fans. Small forward TJ Power, known for his versatility and court vision, heard his name later in the first round. Power was the kind of player who did everything a little better than expected. He played within the system but wasn’t afraid to take control in big moments. Coaches praised his work ethic, while teammates trusted him in clutch scenarios. Analysts had raved about his stock quietly rising through pre-draft workouts, and his selection validated every bit of the hype.
Next came Kyle Filipowski, the towering big man whose decision to return for another year at Duke paid off handsomely. Filipowski had tested the waters the previous year but returned to polish his game, improve his perimeter shooting, and demonstrate his ability to lead. That choice showcased a maturity and commitment to growth that set him apart from others in the draft pool. Teams valued not only his size and skill but also the professionalism he brought to the process. When his name was called, the Blue Devil faithful celebrated a player who had stayed true to the program and elevated his profile through sheer determination.
Finally, guard Caleb Foster rounded out the Duke contingent. Though not projected as a surefire first-rounder initially, Foster impressed scouts with his steady progression, high basketball IQ, and ability to run an offense with precision. His selection late in the first round—or early in the second, depending on the final draft order—was a testament to his rising stock and Duke’s coaching staff’s ability to prepare even the “under the radar” prospects for the rigors of the professional game.
Taken together, these five selections painted a vivid picture of Duke’s present and future. This was no accident. The infrastructure around the Blue Devils has become a model of consistency and excellence, combining state-of-the-art facilities, NBA-level coaching, elite competition, and a cultural expectation of greatness. Jon Scheyer has not only embraced the legacy left by Coach K but has enhanced it with modern adaptations, particularly in player empowerment and professional readiness.
The 2025 draft marked the third time in school history that Duke has had at least four players selected in the first round, but this year had an aura of something different. The talent pool was deep, yes, but the way Duke players carried themselves, performed in interviews, and executed on the floor throughout their college careers made them desirable on another level. NBA executives cited Duke’s preparation, emotional maturity, and team-first attitude as defining factors that tipped the scale in close draft debates.
As the evening wore on and the picks continued, fans online and in attendance began referring to the night as “Duke Draft Domination.” Social media was ablaze with praise for the program. Hashtags like #DukePipeline, #ScheyerEra, and #BlueDevilsToTheLeague trended for hours. Former Duke players in the NBA congratulated the new class, and videos of draft-night celebrations in Durham surfaced, adding to the surreal atmosphere.
One aspect that stood out throughout the night was the camaraderie between the five players. Despite knowing they were each vying for limited slots and potential endorsement deals, the Blue Devils leaned on each other emotionally. In pre-draft interviews, they spoke about their brotherhood, forged in sweat, long practices, and the weight of playing for one of college basketball’s most storied programs. That brotherhood was on full display throughout the night as they embraced each other’s success.
Coach Scheyer himself was on hand, watching proudly from the green room, and later speaking to media about what the night meant to him, the program, and the university. He emphasized that this wasn’t about individual glory, but the culmination of collective hard work and belief in a system that values both player growth and winning. “We tell these guys every day: you’re not just preparing for Saturday’s game—you’re preparing for the rest of your life. And tonight, they proved they’re ready,” he said.
The ripple effect of this historic night for Duke will undoubtedly impact future recruiting. Young prospects dreaming of the NBA will take notice. Seeing five players from the same program reach the professional ranks in one draft provides a blueprint and a beacon. It sends a clear message to the nation’s top recruits: If you want to develop, compete, and get to the NBA, Duke is the place to be.
But the moment also sparked broader discussion about college basketball’s evolving role in player development. With the G League Ignite program facing an uncertain future and international options still viewed as risky by some families, Duke’s success in this draft cycle reaffirms the value of NCAA programs with elite coaching, consistent exposure, and a strong legacy. While other blue-blood programs remain competitive, Duke’s 2025 class may have widened the gap just a bit more.
For the NBA teams who selected these five players, the hope is clear: that they’ll bring the winning culture, basketball acumen, and professional readiness that has become synonymous with the Duke name. Time will tell how each rookie adapts, but if history is any indicator, Duke players don’t just show up—they show out.
In the hours and days that followed the draft, Durham became a hub of celebration. Alumni returned to campus. Local fans poured into Cameron Indoor to relive memories and honor the departing stars. Murals were quickly painted, and special-edition merchandise flew off the shelves. For a moment, the storied program felt like the center of the basketball universe—and perhaps, in that moment, it truly was.
The night wasn’t just about draft picks. It was about vision, culture, consistency, and excellence. Duke didn’t just win the draft—they dominated it, sending a message to college basketball and the NBA alike: The Brotherhood is as powerful as ever. And under Jon Scheyer’s guidance, the pipeline to the pros may just be getting started.
