Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball: 2025 Mock Draft Includes Six Blue Devils

Next go-round, Duke basketball could triple its NBA Draft output from this year.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball guards Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster
Duke basketball guards Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster / Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Two Duke basketball players heard their names at this week's NBA Draft. Jared McCain was first among them, going No. 16 overall to the Philadelphia 76ers, and Kyle Filipowski came off the board two picks into the second round at No. 32 to the Utah Jazz.

They matched the number of Blue Devils drafted last June (Dereck Lively II, Dariq Whitehead) following the debut season of the Jon Scheyer era in Durham.

Looking ahead, if ESPN's first update to its 2025 mock draft since this week's event is any indication, the 2024-25 Duke basketball squad should eclipse the total from the past two years combined. In fact, ESPN is forecasting six drafted Blue Devils between the two rounds, and all but one would be of the early-departure variety, including three one-and-done talents:

  • Freshman forward Cooper Flagg at No. 1 overall
  • Freshman center Khaman Maluach at No. 6
  • Freshman wing Kon Knueppel at No. 17
  • Junior guard Tyrese Proctor at No. 28
  • Sophomore guard Caleb Foster at No. 39
  • Graduate guard Sion James at No. 44

There has never been an NBA Draft featuring six or more Blue Devils.

The Duke basketball record is five. That has happened twice: first in 2017, including a now-NBA champion in Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum, then in 2022, highlighted by the Orlando Magic's No. 1 overall pick in eventual NBA Rookie of the Year and 2024 All-Star forward Paolo Banchero.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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