Duke Makes History as All Five Starters Picked in 2025 NBA Draft

# Duke Makes History as All Five Starters Picked in 2025 NBA Draft

 

**By ESPN Southwest Florida Staff**

*November 9, 2025*

 

In a landmark moment for college basketball, Duke University has etched its name deeper into the annals of hoops history. All five starters from the Blue Devils’ 2024-25 squad were selected in the 2025 NBA Draft, a feat that underscores the program’s unparalleled talent pipeline and cements its status as a breeding ground for professional stars. This unprecedented achievement, which unfolded over two electrifying nights at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 25-26, marks Duke as the 19th program ever to have five or more players drafted in a single year.<grok:render card_id=”308f04″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>

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</grok:render> No team, however, had ever sent its entire starting lineup to the league in one draft—until now.

 

The story begins with Cooper Flagg, the consensus No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks.<grok:render card_id=”795243″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>

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</grok:render> The 6-foot-9 forward from Maine, who arrived at Duke as the most hyped recruit since Zion Williamson, lived up to every expectation during his freshman season. Flagg averaged 16.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game, earning ACC Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and national Player of the Year honors.<grok:render card_id=”d19c29″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>

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</grok:render> His defensive prowess and athleticism drew comparisons to Kevin Garnett, and Mavericks owner Mark Cuban couldn’t hide his excitement: “Cooper is a generational talent. He’s going to change the face of our franchise.” Flagg’s selection makes him the sixth Duke player to go first overall, joining legends like Williamson (2019) and Paolo Banchero (2022), and extends the ACC’s record for the most No. 1 picks of any conference.<grok:render card_id=”38c74b” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>

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Not far behind was Kon Knueppel, Duke’s sharpshooting wing, who was snapped up fourth overall by the Charlotte Hornets.<grok:render card_id=”205541″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>

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</grok:render> The Wisconsin native, a 6-foot-6 freshman, was a sniper from beyond the arc, hitting 42% of his three-pointers while contributing 14.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per contest. Knueppel’s versatility as a scorer and defender made him a perfect fit for a Hornets team looking to build around LaMelo Ball. “Kon brings that Duke pedigree—toughness, skill, and winning mentality,” said Hornets GM Jeff Peterson. His draft slot highlights Duke’s ability to attract and develop multi-faceted forwards who thrive in the modern NBA.

 

Rounding out Duke’s lottery trio was Khaman Maluach, the 7-foot-2 center from South Sudan, selected 10th overall by the Houston Rockets and immediately traded to the Phoenix Suns.<grok:render card_id=”eb2312″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>

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</grok:render> Maluach, another freshman phenom, dominated the paint with 12.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks, showcasing rim protection that evoked shades of Rudy Gobert. His journey from the NBA Academy Africa to Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium is a testament to global recruiting, and Suns coach Mike Budenholzer praised his potential: “Khaman’s upside is limitless. He’s raw but explosive.” With Flagg, Knueppel, and Maluach all going in the top 10, Duke became just the third program in draft history to have three players selected that high in one year, joining Kentucky (2012) and itself (2019).

 

The Blue Devils’ draft dominance didn’t stop in the first round. Sion James, the senior guard who provided veteran leadership, was picked 33rd overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the second round.<grok:render card_id=”3a9ffd” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>

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</grok:render> At 6-foot-6, James was Duke’s defensive anchor, averaging 8.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.1 steals while shooting 38% from deep. His transfer from Tulane paid dividends, as he seamlessly integrated into Jon Scheyer’s system. “Sion was our glue guy,” Scheyer reflected post-draft. “His intangibles will translate immediately to the pros.” James joins Knueppel in Charlotte, creating an instant Duke reunion in the Queen City.

 

Finally, Tyrese Proctor, the Australian point guard and junior floor general, heard his name called at No. 49 by the Cleveland Cavaliers.<grok:render card_id=”c7f73e” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>

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</grok:render> Proctor’s 11.4 points and 5.7 assists per game were crucial in orchestrating Duke’s offense, which led them to a 28-9 record and an Elite Eight appearance. Despite injury setbacks earlier in his career, Proctor’s poise and vision shone through. Cavaliers president Koby Altman noted, “Tyrese is a smart, savvy guard who can run a team. He’s exactly what we need for depth.” With this pick, Duke completed the sweep of its starting five: Flagg at power forward, Knueppel at small forward, Maluach at center, James at shooting guard, and Proctor at point guard—all now NBA-bound.

 

This historic draft class is a crowning achievement for head coach Jon Scheyer, who took over from Mike Krzyzewski in 2022. Under Scheyer, Duke has continued its tradition of excellence, blending one-and-done talents with experienced transfers. “This is a dream come true for these young men and a validation of our program,” Scheyer said in a statement. “Duke basketball is about preparing players for the next level, and seeing all five starters drafted is surreal.” The Blue Devils’ haul ties them with Kentucky for the most players drafted from one school in the modern era, though Kentucky’s 2012 class (six players) still holds the record. Notably, Duke’s five selections all came from the starting lineup, a first in NCAA history.<grok:render card_id=”17ac3b” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>

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Contextually, the 2025 draft was a showcase for college basketball’s power conferences. The SEC led the way with 13 draftees, including standouts like Auburn’s Johni Broome (No. 35) and Florida’s trio of Walter Clayton Jr. (No. 18), Alijah Martin (No. 39), and Will Richard (No. 56).<grok:render card_id=”a01476″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>

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</grok:render> The Big Ten followed with 10, while the ACC tallied eight, bolstered by Duke’s five plus North Carolina’s Drake Powell (No. 22), Florida State’s Jamir Watkins (No. 43), and others.<grok:render card_id=”47d483″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>

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</grok:render> Florida, fresh off a national championship, saw three starters go, but no conference matched the ACC’s top-end talent, with four first-rounders including three from Duke.

 

The implications for Duke are profound. This draft success will supercharge recruiting, as top prospects see a clear path to the NBA. Already, the 2025-26 class features blue-chip recruits like AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer, sons of former pros, signaling no slowdown. Historically, Duke has produced 28 first-round picks since 2010, more than any other school, and this year’s class pushes their total NBA alumni past 100.<grok:render card_id=”9ebafc” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>

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</grok:render> It’s a reminder of Krzyzewski’s legacy, now amplified by Scheyer’s modern approach.

 

For the players, the journey is just beginning. Flagg joins Luka Dončić in Dallas, poised for Rookie of the Year contention. Knueppel and James bolster Charlotte’s young core, while Maluach adds size to Phoenix’s contender status. Proctor provides backcourt stability in Cleveland. Each brings the “Duke Way”—discipline, teamwork, and clutch performance.

 

As college basketball evolves with NIL deals and the transfer portal, Duke’s 2025 draft class stands as a beacon of stability and success. In an era where parity reigns, the Blue Devils proved that elite programs can still dominate. This isn’t just history; it’s a blueprint for the future.

 

Southwest Florida fans, with ties to ACC basketball through alumni networks and snowbird communities, can take pride in this regional connection. Duke’s triumph resonates here, where hoops passion runs deep amid the beaches and palms.

 

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