In one of the most stunning and unprecedented moments in college basketball history, Duke University has achieved what was once thought nearly impossible: all five members of its starting lineup have been selected in the NBA Draft. The Blue Devils, known for their storied tradition of excellence, have now added a milestone to their legacy that will echo throughout college basketball and NBA scouting circles for decades to come.
The 2025 NBA Draft will forever be remembered not just for the names called, but for what those names collectively represent—a complete starting five from a single college program making the leap to the professional level in a single draft. For Duke, a program long synonymous with NBA talent, this accomplishment stands as the ultimate testament to its development pipeline, coaching acumen, and recruiting dominance.
The five players—Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Tyrese Proctor, Mark Mitchell, and Caleb Foster—each brought unique strengths to the table during the Blue Devils’ 2024–25 season. Together, they blended into a powerhouse unit that dominated college basketball from start to finish, capturing the ACC title and making a deep NCAA tournament run. But while their on-court synergy was evident to fans, scouts, and coaches alike, few could have predicted that each would hear his name called on draft night.
Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, is widely regarded as the crown jewel of this class. The Maine native has been on NBA radars since his early teens, drawing comparisons to generational talents for his all-around game, high basketball IQ, and elite defensive versatility. At 6-foot-9 with guard-like handles and forward strength, Flagg was the heart and soul of Duke’s team—a rare freshman who played with the poise of a seasoned pro. He averaged 18.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game, showcasing an ability to dominate every facet of the game. His selection at No. 1 was expected, but the ripple effect it had on the rest of Duke’s roster underscored the strength of the collective.
Shortly after Flagg, Kon Knueppel was selected with the fourth overall pick, giving Duke two top-five selections for the first time in school history. Knueppel, a dynamic wing with one of the smoothest shooting strokes in the country, made a name for himself as the most efficient offensive player in college basketball. Shooting 42.8% from beyond the arc and 89% from the free-throw line, he became a lethal scoring option who demanded defensive attention on every possession. Beyond his scoring, Knueppel’s court vision and unselfish play elevated the entire Blue Devil offense. His maturity and polish have NBA front offices believing he can contribute immediately at the next level.
Tyrese Proctor, the Australian-born point guard and the veteran leader of the squad, was taken late in the first round. Proctor’s draft stock surged throughout the season due to his poise, playmaking, and perimeter defense. Though not as flashy as some of his teammates, Proctor was the glue that held the team together—often guarding the opponent’s best backcourt player while orchestrating Duke’s offense with precision. His basketball IQ, steady demeanor, and international experience appealed greatly to NBA teams looking for ready-made contributors. Scouts raved about his improved three-point shooting and his ability to control tempo, making his transition to the NBA a highly anticipated storyline.
Mark Mitchell, the versatile forward known for his two-way presence and relentless motor, heard his name called early in the second round. Though he may have flown under the radar compared to the headline names, Mitchell was an indispensable piece of the Blue Devil machine. At 6-foot-8 with a strong frame and elite lateral quickness, he could guard four positions and finish strong around the rim. Coaches praised his work ethic, defensive commitment, and willingness to sacrifice personal stats for team success. Mitchell was the kind of player every championship team needs—reliable, tough, and willing to do the dirty work. His selection marks a triumph for effort and team-first mentality.
Finally, Caleb Foster, the sharpshooting combo guard who brought instant offense off the dribble and from deep, was picked with one of the final selections of the second round. While his minutes fluctuated during the season due to the star-studded lineup, Foster made the most of every opportunity, averaging double-digit points and proving himself as a microwave scorer with clutch shot-making ability. His performances in big moments—particularly during Duke’s tournament run—elevated his draft stock and showed he could contribute when the stakes were highest.
Together, these five players represent more than just a collection of NBA-caliber talent—they represent a program firing on all cylinders, blending elite recruitment with elite development. For head coach Jon Scheyer, who took over the reins from legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, this moment is validation of his vision for Duke’s future. Scheyer has seamlessly transitioned from successor to trailblazer, maintaining Duke’s standard of excellence while putting his own stamp on the program. Under his leadership, Duke has continued to attract top-tier talent and mold them into NBA-ready professionals.
The reaction around the basketball world was immediate and electric. Social media exploded with praise and disbelief. Analysts struggled to find historical comparisons. “We’ve never seen anything like this,” ESPN’s Jay Bilas said during the broadcast. “You can talk about Fab Five, you can talk about Kentucky’s talent pools—but an entire starting five going in the same draft? That’s unprecedented.”
Former Duke greats weighed in as well. Grant Hill tweeted, “Incredible moment for Duke Basketball. Proud to be a part of the brotherhood. What these young men accomplished is nothing short of historic.” JJ Redick chimed in on his podcast, calling the feat “a testament to the culture at Duke—the standard, the discipline, the hunger to be great.”
The accomplishment also sends a powerful message to future recruits: Duke remains the place to develop your game and prepare for the next level. In an era of NIL deals, the transfer portal, and constant change, stability and player development are more critical than ever. And Duke, through this draft night triumph, has positioned itself as the gold standard.
For the NBA teams that drafted these players, they’re not just getting individual prospects—they’re getting battle-tested winners who learned how to sacrifice, compete, and excel alongside other elite talent. Chemistry is one of the hardest things to replicate at the professional level, and this group has already shown it can thrive within a high-pressure, team-oriented environment.
But beyond the analytics, highlights, and draft slots lies the deeper legacy. These five players will forever be linked—not just by the jersey they wore, but by the history they made. They didn’t just play for Duke; they elevated Duke. Their names will hang in Cameron Indoor Stadium, their banners raised alongside the greats. And their story will be told to every future Blue Devil as the ultimate example of what’s possible when talent, teamwork, and ambition collide.
From the moment they stepped on campus to the moment their names echoed through Barclays Center on draft night, this starting five embodied everything Duke basketball stands for—excellence, unity, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
History has been made. The entire starting five from Duke is now in the NBA. A feat never before accomplished. A legacy forever secured. And a new chapter in college basketball lore has been written, in bold Blue Devil ink.
