Duke Basketball: A Potential Back-to-Back No. 1 NBA Draft Selection Dynasty
Duke University, one of the most storied programs in college basketball history, has long been a cradle for NBA talent. Under the guidance of head coach Mike Krzyzewski (who retired after the 2021-2022 season), the Blue Devils consistently recruited elite players who became dominant forces in the professional ranks. From Christian Laettner to Zion Williamson, Duke’s reputation for producing top-tier talent has been well-established. However, the possibility of Duke providing back-to-back No. 1 NBA Draft selections—a rare feat even for the most prestigious programs—could elevate the Blue Devils’ legacy even further in the coming years.
This article explores the factors that could enable Duke to produce two consecutive No. 1 NBA Draft picks, the players who are currently poised for such a distinction, and the implications this would have for both the program and the NBA.
Historical Context: Duke’s Legacy of NBA Talent
Duke’s basketball program, long synonymous with success and excellence, has produced numerous NBA stars over the years. The university’s rich basketball tradition began under Coach Krzyzewski, who took the helm in 1980. Over the course of his legendary career, Krzyzewski helped elevate Duke to the pinnacle of college basketball, culminating in five NCAA championships and a number of memorable runs to the Final Four. During that time, the Blue Devils became known for their blend of skill, discipline, and grit—qualities that translated well to the professional ranks.
Duke’s most notable NBA alumni include Grant Hill, Kyrie Irving, Zion Williamson, and Jason Tatum. The program’s commitment to developing versatile and intelligent players has created a track record of success for former Blue Devils in the NBA. For example, Kyrie Irving, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, and Zion Williamson, the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, are two of the most famous and successful recent alumni.
The question now is whether Duke can achieve an even rarer feat—providing two consecutive No. 1 overall picks. This accomplishment would cement the program’s place among the elite basketball factories in the world and further validate the recruitment and player development system that Coach Krzyzewski helped build.
The Potential Candidates: A Double Dose of NBA Talent
While it is difficult to predict with certainty which players will ultimately go No. 1 in the NBA Draft, two Duke prospects in particular are generating significant buzz in the basketball world: Dereck Lively II and Kyle Filipowski. Both players represent the kind of elite, high-ceiling talent that could lead them to be the top picks in back-to-back drafts.
- Dereck Lively II (2023 NBA Draft)
Dereck Lively II, a 7-foot center, entered Duke in the 2022-2023 season with a reputation as one of the top big men in his class. Lively’s combination of size, length, and shot-blocking ability immediately made him a standout on the defensive end. Lively’s physical attributes, coupled with his developing offensive game, made him one of the most highly anticipated recruits in recent Duke history.
Lively’s primary strength is his defense. Standing at 7 feet tall, he possesses an enormous wingspan and is an elite shot blocker. His defensive presence in the paint is unmatched, and his ability to alter or erase shots around the rim is invaluable for a team in need of a dominant force in the post. Additionally, Lively’s quickness and agility allow him to switch onto smaller players on the perimeter, showcasing his versatility in today’s modern NBA, where positionless basketball is key.
Offensively, Lively’s game is still developing, but he has shown the potential to become a force in pick-and-roll situations, along with an improving jump shot that adds another layer to his offensive skill set. If Lively can refine his scoring ability and show consistency with his offensive game, he will become a serious candidate for the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
His combination of size, defensive prowess, and developing offensive game makes him an intriguing prospect with the potential to be a cornerstone player in the NBA. A team in need of a transformative defensive center could see Lively as the future of their franchise.
- Kyle Filipowski (2024 NBA Draft)
If Lively were to go No. 1 in the 2023 NBA Draft, Duke’s chances of producing a second consecutive No. 1 overall pick would likely depend on the development of forward Kyle Filipowski, a 6-foot-11 forward who entered Duke with immense potential in 2023. Filipowski’s versatility on both ends of the floor makes him one of the most promising prospects in college basketball.
Filipowski’s biggest asset is his versatility. He has the height and length to defend in the post, but he also possesses the mobility to guard on the perimeter. His ability to stretch the floor with a solid three-point shot and score inside makes him a well-rounded offensive player. Filipowski’s basketball IQ and vision also stand out, as he is capable of making smart decisions with the ball and creating plays for teammates.
What makes Filipowski particularly enticing to NBA scouts is his potential to develop into a modern “stretch” four or even a small-ball center. His combination of shooting, playmaking, and size fits well with the NBA’s evolving trend toward more versatile, positionless players. If Filipowski continues to improve his consistency from deep and develops his handle and playmaking ability, he could be the type of player that teams covet as a potential franchise cornerstone.
As one of the top prospects in his class, Filipowski has the chance to emerge as one of the best players in college basketball during the 2023-2024 season. If he can live up to his potential, he could find himself in the conversation for the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, making Duke a potential candidate to provide back-to-back top selections.
Why Back-to-Back No. 1 Picks Is Feasible
Achieving back-to-back No. 1 overall NBA Draft selections would be a significant achievement for Duke, and there are several factors that make this a realistic possibility:
- Recruiting Prowess
Duke has long been a recruiting powerhouse, bringing in some of the most talented high school players in the country. The Blue Devils’ ability to secure elite prospects year after year is unparalleled, and their track record of player development has made them one of the most coveted destinations for top recruits.
With the development of players like Lively and Filipowski, Duke’s pipeline of talent shows no signs of slowing down. The program’s ability to attract top-tier talent consistently makes it likely that they will continue to be at the forefront of the NBA Draft conversation for years to come.
- Coaching and Player Development
Duke’s success isn’t just about bringing in the best recruits; the program’s coaching staff has also been instrumental in developing players into NBA-caliber talents. Under Mike Krzyzewski, Duke became a model of player development, and new head coach Jon Scheyer (who succeeded Krzyzewski in 2022) has continued that tradition.
Scheyer has already proven that he can maintain Duke’s level of excellence, and his ability to develop young players will be crucial in guiding the next generation of NBA stars. As a former player for Duke, Scheyer understands the nuances of the program and is well-equipped to lead players through the transition from college to the professional level.
- The Evolving NBA Landscape
The NBA’s increasing focus on versatility and positionless basketball makes players like Lively and Filipowski especially valuable. Both players possess unique skill sets that could give them a significant edge in a draft class that is filled with both traditional and modern players. The league’s emphasis on players who can impact the game on both ends of the floor—especially with size, athleticism, and defensive capability—aligns perfectly with the strengths of these two Duke prospects.
Furthermore, the current trends in the NBA, including the increased importance of big men who can stretch the floor and guard multiple positions, play to the strengths of Duke’s upcoming players. Lively’s shot-blocking and Filipowski’s offensive versatility make them highly coveted by teams looking to build around young, adaptable players.
The Implications of Two Consecutive No. 1 Picks
If Duke were to secure back-to-back No. 1 overall picks, the implications would be far-reaching for the program, the NBA, and even the college basketball landscape.
- For Duke Basketball
A back-to-back No. 1 overall pick would solidify Duke’s status as one of the elite programs in NCAA basketball. It would also reinforce the school’s ability to develop top-tier talent, further attracting the next generation of elite recruits. The legacy of the program would be elevated even further, and future recruits would be even more eager to join the Blue Devils in the hopes of achieving similar success.
- For the NBA
For the NBA, having two consecutive No. 1 picks from the same program would draw even more attention to the league’s upcoming draft classes. The excitement surrounding both Lively and Filipowski would generate a wave of anticipation, as fans and teams alike would eagerly anticipate which young star would become the centerpiece of the next generation of NBA franchises.
- For College Basketball
A back-to-back No. 1 overall pick scenario would reinforce the importance of college basketball in the NBA’s talent pipeline. It would also underscore the competitiveness of the NCAA, as teams strive to develop players who are capable of making an immediate impact at the professional level.