North Carolina’s ACC Powerhouses Shine Bright in 2025 NBA Draft’s Opening Round

The 2025 NBA Draft served as a resounding endorsement of North Carolina’s deep basketball pedigree, as four standout players—three from Duke and one from UNC—heard their names called in the first round. The ACC reaffirmed its status as a premier pipeline for NBA talent, with Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Khaman Maluach, and Drake Powell all transitioning from campus stardom to the pros. Their selections highlighted not only their individual promise but the developmental power of Duke and UNC’s elite programs.

The night began with a landmark pick as the Dallas Mavericks selected Duke’s Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall selection. A breakout star in his lone season at Duke, Flagg electrified fans with 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game over 37 contests. With his blend of length, energy, and two-way dominance, Flagg arrives in Dallas as a franchise-altering centerpiece—one capable of making an immediate impact on both ends of the floor.

Duke’s Kon Knueppel followed as a first-round selection by the Charlotte Hornets. Known for his elite efficiency and shooting stroke, the 6-foot-6 guard averaged 14.4 points per game while connecting on 40.6% of his attempts from beyond the arc. Charlotte gains a dynamic shooter who not only stretches defenses but also makes quick reads in motion—an ideal addition to a team prioritizing floor spacing and offensive flow.

The Phoenix Suns added even more Duke firepower by selecting Khaman Maluach to bolster their frontcourt. Towering at 7-foot-2, Maluach made his presence felt as a defensive anchor for the Blue Devils, averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks over 39 games. His agility, timing, and shot-altering instincts immediately upgrade Phoenix’s rim protection, while his long-term ceiling makes him a compelling asset in the Suns’ evolving defensive identity.

UNC’s Drake Powell ensured the Tar Heels had their say in the first round, going to the Brooklyn Nets. The 6-foot-6 wing averaged 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists across 37 appearances, thriving as a versatile, high-motor defender with developing offensive upside. Powell brings switchability, energy, and discipline to a Brooklyn team building around young, moldable talent. His trajectory reflects the UNC tradition of producing players ready to contribute at both ends from day one.

The ACC’s four first-rounders—Flagg, Knueppel, Maluach, and Powell—further underscored the conference’s grip on NBA development pipelines. Duke, in particular, reasserted its role as a dominant producer of pro talent. With three first-rounders bringing diverse skill sets—Flagg’s all-around excellence, Knueppel’s sharpshooting, and Maluach’s defensive prowess—the Blue Devils showed once again why they remain a magnet for top-tier prospects and NBA front office attention.

Powell’s selection continued UNC’s legacy of delivering pro-ready wings defined by versatility, toughness, and defensive acumen. His fit in Brooklyn is seamless: a glue-guy with positional flexibility, high-character intangibles, and untapped scoring potential. His development at UNC prepared him for exactly this moment—to contribute immediately while refining his long-term ceiling.

Outside the ACC, the Toronto Raptors added muscle and versatility with the selection of South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles. The explosive SEC forward averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks across 32 games—numbers that showcase his all-around defensive impact and transition potential. His high-motor playstyle and physical tools make him a natural fit for a Raptors team looking to bolster its intensity on both ends.

The 2025 draft wasn’t just about blue blood dominance—it was also a nod to the growing breadth of elite talent development across the NCAA. While the ACC shined, prospects like Murray-Boyles reminded scouts that the SEC and other rising programs are producing NBA-ready stars capable of contributing from day one. As NCAA pathways diversify, so too does the league’s influx of global and athletic talent.

Brooklyn’s selection of Powell gives them a two-way wing tailor-made for the modern game. His ability to defend multiple positions, rebound, and contribute as a connector makes him a valuable piece for a roster emphasizing youth and growth. His hustle and composure could quickly earn him rotation minutes and long-term trust in a developmental system.

Phoenix is banking on defensive upside with Maluach—a center with elite tools who already understands how to affect games at the rim. His mobility and timing allow him to switch onto guards in spurts, and his rebounding gives the Suns much-needed size. As the team transitions toward a more balanced roster, Maluach fits the mold of a long-term paint enforcer.

Knueppel, with his 40.6% three-point shooting, brings instant offense to Charlotte. His catch-and-shoot ability and high release make him a threat in halfcourt sets and fast breaks. For a Hornets squad looking to space the floor around their young core, Knueppel is a logical addition who projects as one of the more NBA-ready shooters in this class.

From Tobacco Road to NBA hardwood, North Carolina schools once again delivered premier talent. With ACC programs proving their player development remains elite, and new challengers like South Carolina making their mark, the 2025 NBA Draft reflected both tradition and transition—an ever-expanding pool of talent ready to shape the league’s next generation.