It’s official—Duke basketball’s domination of the NBA pipeline continues. The announcement that Cooper Flagg, along with two of his Duke teammates, has been invited to the prestigious green room at the 2025 NBA Draft is more than just an honor—it’s a statement. It signals that the Blue Devils have not only re-established themselves as the epicenter of college basketball excellence but also that they are once again setting the tone for the next generation of NBA talent.
Flagg’s presence in the green room was a foregone conclusion. The 6-foot-9 phenom arrived in Durham as the most hyped prospect since Zion Williamson and lived up to every ounce of expectation. From the moment he stepped on the floor at Cameron Indoor Stadium, Flagg brought a sense of gravity to Duke’s program. His combination of elite defensive instincts, polished scoring ability, and basketball IQ made it clear he wasn’t just another top recruit—he was a generational prospect.
Throughout the season, Flagg delivered game after game, showcasing why he’s projected as a top-two pick in the upcoming draft. Whether it was blocking shots at the rim, pulling up for transition threes, or dissecting defenses with pinpoint passes, Flagg did it all. His motor never stopped, his competitive fire burned bright, and his leadership helped elevate Duke to the elite ranks of college basketball once again.
But Flagg isn’t heading to the NBA alone. He’s bringing company—two fellow Duke stars who also earned the coveted green room invite, a symbol reserved only for those expected to hear their names called early on draft night. While Flagg may be the headliner, the inclusion of his teammates speaks volumes about the collective strength of Duke’s roster and the level of talent that head coach Jon Scheyer has assembled.
The second member of the trio, forward Jared McCain, was arguably Duke’s most consistent offensive weapon throughout the season. A deadly shooter with limitless range, McCain played with the swagger and confidence that reminded fans of classic Duke guards from years past. He could break defenders down off the dribble, get to the rim, or pull up in rhythm from deep. But what truly set McCain apart was his toughness. He wasn’t afraid of the moment—he embraced it. When Duke needed a big bucket, McCain delivered. When the game got physical, he didn’t back down. And when the lights were brightest, he rose to the occasion.
It’s that grit and skill combination that has NBA scouts buzzing. He’s viewed as a plug-and-play scorer who can stretch defenses and fit into multiple systems. And while some might have overlooked him early in the season due to Flagg’s shadow, McCain carved out his own spotlight—and now, he’s poised to make a significant leap at the next level.
Rounding out the trio is center Kyle Filipowski, who made the calculated decision to return to Duke for another season despite being a projected first-round pick last year. That decision paid off in a big way. Filipowski refined his game in nearly every area. He became stronger, more agile, and more efficient on both ends of the floor. His ability to stretch the court as a shooter, finish inside with both hands, and protect the rim made him one of the most versatile big men in the college game.
Filipowski’s return not only helped Duke win games—it helped solidify his draft stock. NBA front offices love players who show growth and maturity, and that’s exactly what Filipowski delivered. He became a vocal leader, a calming presence, and a high-IQ anchor for the Blue Devils. And now, with his green room invite secured, he’s ready to take the next step.
Together, this trio of Flagg, McCain, and Filipowski paints a picture of what modern basketball looks like—versatile, skilled, and unselfish. They thrived not just because of their individual talent, but because of how well they meshed as teammates. Duke’s system encouraged ball movement, spacing, and defensive discipline. Each of the three stars bought into that culture, and the result was a deep tournament run and an unmistakable buzz around the program.
Flagg, in particular, became must-see television. He carried the weight of immense expectations with remarkable poise. From the beginning, comparisons to legends like Kevin Durant, Paul George, and even LeBron James were whispered around NBA circles. But Flagg never got lost in the noise. He remained focused, driven, and team-first. His stat lines were impressive—averaging over 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game—but the eye test said even more. He made the game look easy. His presence alone changed the way opponents prepared. Double-teams were frequent. Box-and-ones were deployed. Nothing worked.
What makes Flagg so tantalizing as a prospect is that he impacts every aspect of the game. He’s a willing passer who can see over defenders. He can guard multiple positions. He rebounds with ferocity and finishes with finesse. In a league built on spacing and versatility, Flagg is tailor-made for NBA success. And while the media frenzy around him has been constant, those close to the program say he’s remained grounded—focused more on winning than personal accolades.
For Jon Scheyer, this moment is validation. After taking over from the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, there were questions about whether Scheyer could maintain Duke’s elite standard. Those questions have now been answered. Not only has he recruited at a high level, but he’s also developed talent and cultivated a culture that’s preparing players for the next level. The fact that three Duke players will be in the green room—likely all lottery picks—is a testament to that.
For Duke fans, the 2024–25 season will be remembered as a year of brilliance. The Blue Devils brought excitement back to Cameron. They packed arenas on the road. They made basketball fun again. And while the ultimate goal of a national championship came up just short, the legacy of this team will endure. They played hard. They played smart. And most of all, they played together.
As draft night approaches, all eyes will be on the green room. Cameras will pan to nervous smiles, sharp suits, and hopeful families. But when the commissioner steps to the podium and calls Cooper Flagg’s name, it won’t just be a celebration of one young man’s journey—it will be a celebration of what Duke basketball stands for. Excellence. Brotherhood. Greatness.
And then, not long after, the names of Jared McCain and Kyle Filipowski will echo through the arena, signaling the end of a remarkable chapter and the beginning of a new one. Three Blue Devils. One green room. And a whole lot of NBA dreams ready to be realized.
It’s rare to see this kind of top-end talent come from one college program in a single draft. Rarer still to see three players so uniquely different, yet so equally impactful, share the same spotlight. That’s the magic of this Duke team. That’s the legacy they leave behind.
For Flagg, the journey is just beginning. For McCain and Filipowski, the rewards of patience and perseverance are about to pay off. And for the NBA, the message is clear: Duke isn’t just back—it never left.
This moment, with Cooper Flagg leading the way into the 2025 NBA Draft green room, isn’t just about where they’ve been—it’s about where they’re going. And wherever that is, basketball fans everywhere would be wise to follow.
