Duke Basketball continues to assert its place as the top collegiate launchpad for NBA talent. With the 2025 NBA Draft approaching on June 25, as many as seven Blue Devils are expected to hear their names called—including a projected top-three sweep by Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, and Kon Knueppel. This elite trio exemplifies Duke’s unmatched blend of high-end recruiting, pro-ready development, and national exposure under head coach Jon Scheyer.
Cooper Flagg – The Clear-Cut No. 1
No freshman in the country matched the impact of Cooper Flagg in 2025. The 6-foot-9 phenom averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 48.1% from the field and 38.5% from deep. Flagg dominated both ends of the court, helping fuel Duke’s deep NCAA Tournament run with his elite versatility and leadership.
Flagg’s unique blend of positional defense, court vision, and perimeter skill has made him the consensus No. 1 pick. His ability to defend all five positions, control tempo, and elevate teammates has NBA scouts projecting him as a future All-Star and franchise anchor.
Khaman Maluach – The Seven-Foot Game-Changer
Khaman Maluach arrived at Duke as a promising international prospect, but quickly developed into a dominant defensive force. Standing 7-foot-2 and weighing 250 pounds, the South Sudanese center averaged 8.6 points and 6.6 rebounds while shooting a staggering 71.2% from the field.
Maluach’s presence in the paint altered game plans—his timing, length, and vertical burst made him one of the best shot-contesters in college basketball. Once a fringe first-rounder, he’s now projected as high as No. 5 overall, with scouts enamored by his upside on both ends. His touch around the basket and improved footwork hint at untapped offensive development.
Kon Knueppel – The Efficient Wing with NBA Polish
Kon Knueppel brought balance and floor-spacing to Duke’s high-powered offense. The 6-foot-6 guard/forward from Wisconsin averaged 14.4 points, four rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, while posting elite shooting splits: 47.9% from the field, 40.6% from three, and 91.4% from the free-throw line.
Knueppel’s maturity, shot selection, and decision-making made him a seamless fit in Duke’s motion-heavy system. His performance in clutch moments and ability to stretch the floor at an NBA level have locked him into top-10 draft consideration. For franchises seeking efficient, low-usage scoring with plug-and-play upside, Knueppel checks every box.
Duke’s NBA Legacy, Renewed
Duke has long been a staple in NBA front offices’ draft plans. From Kyrie Irving and Zion Williamson to Brandon Ingram and Jayson Tatum—who averaged 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds during his single Duke season before going No. 3 overall in 2017—the Blue Devils’ track record speaks for itself.
The 2025 class continues that tradition, combining top-end skill with pro-level discipline. It reflects a development system that emphasizes versatility, competition, and readiness for the league’s pace and demands.
Stacking Up With Duke’s Best Draft Classes
Flagg, Maluach, and Knueppel invite comparisons to past Blue Devil trios—most notably the 2015 class of Jahlil Okafor, Justise Winslow, and Tyus Jones. However, the 2025 group is drawing even loftier projections. Flagg could go No. 1 overall. Maluach is being targeted as a long-term centerpiece at center. Knueppel offers day-one value with his refined offensive game.
Unlike prior classes, each member of this trio brings a different elite skill—versatility, rim protection, and shooting—that fits the modern NBA landscape perfectly.
Jon Scheyer’s Era of Professional Grooming
Since taking the reins, head coach Jon Scheyer has modernized Duke’s blueprint for NBA preparation. From NBA-aligned terminology and systems to tailored player development, Scheyer has emphasized adaptability, spacing, and defensive responsibility.
His first recruiting class was ranked No. 1 nationally—and it delivered. Under his guidance, players are not just stars in college, but scalable assets for NBA systems. His early success with Paolo Banchero (No. 1 in 2022) and Dereck Lively II (2023 first-rounder) has only strengthened his credibility among league scouts.
Visibility, Marketability, and Big-Stage Growth
Duke’s constant national TV exposure and primetime non-conference matchups provide unmatched scouting opportunities. That visibility has helped fuel the rise of its 2025 class, giving NBA executives real-time evaluation windows against elite competition.
And in today’s NBA, off-court value matters. Duke players enter the league not only with polished games but with branding experience, media training, and a following—making them attractive from both a basketball and marketing perspective.
The Draft Class That Could Define a Generation
Duke’s 2025 NBA Draft presence isn’t just deep—it’s historic. With Flagg projected No. 1, Maluach rising rapidly, and Knueppel firmly in the lottery mix, this trio has a chance to go down as one of the most impactful groups in program history. The numbers back it up. The eye test confirms it. And the NBA is watching closely. The Blue Devils aren’t just producing talent—they’re redefining what elite freshman impact looks like at the college level.
