By all accounts, the Duke Blue Devils are poised to dominate the 2025 NBA Draft. In a year brimming with collegiate talent and international intrigue, no program has made a more resounding statement than Duke. According to multiple respected mock drafts, five Blue Devils are projected to be selected in the 2025 NBA Draft—a feat that would tie the school’s previous record and potentially solidify its current roster as one of the most impactful in modern NCAA history.
Whether it’s the continued brilliance of head coach Jon Scheyer’s recruiting machine or the player development pipeline in Durham, the message is clear: Duke Basketball is the gold standard for NBA preparation once again.
A Legacy of NBA Excellence
Before diving into the 2025 projections, it’s essential to acknowledge Duke’s consistent history of sending players to the NBA. Since Coach Mike Krzyzewski turned the program into a pro factory in the 1990s, Duke has been a reliable springboard for elite-level talent. In the last decade alone, Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, Paolo Banchero, and Jayson Tatum have carried the torch and become household names.
Now, with Scheyer stepping into the spotlight as a leader and elite recruiter in his own right, Duke’s NBA output shows no signs of slowing down. The 2024-25 Blue Devils team isn’t just stacked with blue-chip talent—it’s also filled with NBA-ready skill sets.
Headlining the Class: Cooper Flagg (Top 3 Projection)
The undisputed crown jewel of the 2025 NBA Draft is Cooper Flagg, and it’s no surprise that nearly every major mock draft has him slotted as a top-three pick—many even have him going No. 1 overall. The 6-foot-9 freshman forward has been a sensation since his days at Montverde Academy and AAU circuits, hailed for his elite shot-blocking, court vision, and basketball IQ.
At Duke, Flagg has only enhanced his reputation, averaging 18.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game through the regular season. NBA scouts are salivating over his ability to impact the game on both ends. His motor, defensive instincts, and versatile scoring make him a perfect fit for today’s positionless NBA.
NBA Comparison: Kevin Garnett meets Scottie Barnes
Projected Pick: No. 1 or No. 2 overall
Jared McCain’s Rising Stock
After flirting with the draft last year, Jared McCain returned to Duke for a sophomore season that has elevated him into a surefire first-round selection. The 6-foot-3 guard improved every facet of his game, from perimeter defense to ball-handling and passing under pressure.
McCain’s standout quality remains his sharpshooting. He has connected on over 41% of his three-point attempts in 2024–25 while expanding his range and showing the ability to hit off the dribble. His poise, leadership, and polished demeanor make him an attractive option for teams looking for a plug-and-play guard.
NBA Comparison: Desmond Bane
Projected Pick: Mid-to-late first round
Caleb Foster’s Leap
Another sophomore turning heads is Caleb Foster, a 6-foot-5 combo guard whose rapid development has catapulted him into lottery consideration. Foster entered the program as a fringe five-star recruit, but his maturity and two-way abilities have made him a fan favorite and a major asset on the court.
He’s shown consistent improvement as a floor general, leading Duke in assists while also contributing on the glass and defensively. Foster’s size and court vision give him the flexibility to play either guard spot, and NBA teams are already envisioning him as a versatile contributor capable of running second units or playing alongside another lead guard.
NBA Comparison: Malcolm Brogdon
Projected Pick: Late lottery to mid-first round
Tyrese Proctor: The International Floor General
Australian-born Tyrese Proctor is entering the draft as a junior and likely final-year Blue Devil. The 6-foot-5 guard has been a mainstay in Duke’s backcourt since his freshman season and brings valuable international experience to the table.
Proctor’s cerebral approach to the game has made him one of the steadiest guards in college basketball. While he isn’t the flashiest scorer, his defense, passing, and tempo control have drawn the interest of multiple NBA front offices. If his shooting numbers continue their upward trend, Proctor could sneak into the back end of the first round.
NBA Comparison: Lonzo Ball
Projected Pick: Late first round to early second
Sean Stewart: A Power Athlete with Upside
Rounding out Duke’s projected five picks is Sean Stewart, the high-flying sophomore forward whose physical tools alone make him an intriguing NBA prospect. The 6-foot-9 Stewart has a chiseled frame and elite leaping ability, making him a highlight-reel dunker and strong shot-blocker.
What makes Stewart’s case more compelling is the improvement in his mid-range jumper and free throw shooting. While still raw in some areas, he’s proven capable of defending multiple positions and bringing infectious energy to the court. His athletic profile is ideal for NBA small-ball lineups.
NBA Comparison: Jerami Grant
Projected Pick: Early-to-mid second round
Strength in Numbers: The Duke Brotherhood Reloads
What sets this draft class apart isn’t just the individual talent, but the collective identity it has helped forge at Duke. The 2024–25 squad features a rare mix of one-and-done superstars like Flagg and veteran presence from returnees like McCain, Proctor, and Foster.
Scheyer has embraced a hybrid recruiting philosophy—landing elite freshmen while also developing players over multiple seasons. This balance has paid massive dividends. NBA franchises now see Duke as a place where talent is not only recruited but molded.
Beyond just talent, NBA scouts are drawn to the maturity and professionalism that seems to radiate from Duke players. “You get a Duke kid, you know what you’re getting,” one Western Conference scout recently told The Athletic. “You’re getting a competitor who’s used to the spotlight and knows how to win.”
Impact on 2025 NCAA Season
The NBA buzz surrounding the program hasn’t distracted the Blue Devils from competing at the highest collegiate level. As of early May, Duke is a Final Four favorite and ACC powerhouse once again. Flagg’s emergence as a two-way force, combined with Proctor and McCain’s leadership, has made the Blue Devils nearly unbeatable at home.
This NBA attention has only galvanized the locker room. Players are using draft boards as motivation, pushing each other to sharpen their games. With the ACC Tournament approaching and March Madness looming, Duke has an opportunity to turn NBA hype into NCAA hardware.
What This Means for Recruiting
Duke’s presence at the top of NBA mock drafts will only strengthen its recruiting power. The 2025–26 class already features multiple five-star commitments, and more are expected to follow as the draft draws closer. The image of Cooper Flagg dominating as a freshman while Jared McCain and others improve their stock will resonate deeply with high school prospects.
Scheyer’s growing reputation as a players’ coach who empowers athletes to showcase their full games is becoming a cornerstone of Duke’s recruiting pitch.
Could Duke Set a New Record?
If all five projected players declare and are drafted, Duke would tie its all-time record for most players selected in a single draft (2017, 1999). But if another underclassman or late bloomer—such as big man TJ Power or Ryan Young—works his way into second-round consideration, the Blue Devils could even set a new mark.
It’s also worth noting that several of Duke’s top prospects, especially Foster and Stewart, still have room to improve their draft stock through pre-draft workouts and the NBA Combine.
Final Thoughts: The NBA’s Durham Pipeline Is Thriving
There’s an undeniable synergy between the current state of Duke basketball and the future of the NBA. Five projected draft picks—including a possible No. 1 overall selection—speak to the strength of the program’s foundation and the promise of its vision.
In a draft class filled with international flavor and standout freshmen across the country, it is Duke that once again commands center stage. Whether these Blue Devils become All-Stars or solid role players, one thing is certain: the 2025 NBA Draft will have a distinct shade of Duke Blue.
Mock Draft Projections (As of May 2025):
| Player | Position | Class | Projection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Flagg | F | Freshman | Top 3 |
| Jared McCain | G | Sophomore | Mid 1st Round |
| Caleb Foster | G | Sophomore | Late Lottery |
| Tyrese Proctor | G | Junior | Late 1st/Early 2nd |
| Sean Stewart | F | Sophomore | 2nd Round |
Duke’s NBA factory is alive and well—and 2025 may go down as one of the most impressive draft hauls in program history.