Blue Devil Country

Multiple Duke Basketball Underclassmen Projected as 2024 Lottery Picks

A handful of Duke basketball players could become first-rounders next year.

Matt Giles

Multiple Duke Basketball Underclassmen Projected as 2024 Lottery Picks
Multiple Duke Basketball Underclassmen Projected as 2024 Lottery Picks /
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Duke basketball added to its record number of produced lottery picks on Thursday night. Dereck Lively II became the 30th in Blue Devil history when he went No. 12 overall to the Dallas Mavericks (via the Oklahoma City Thunder).

RELATED: Dereck Lively II Becomes Jon Scheyer's First NBA Product

The program's 30 lottery picks are three more than second-place Kentucky's count and more than double all but five schools in the country.

At least for now, that record looks safe through next year in the eyes of ESPN draft analysts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo. Their updated 2024 mock draft pegs rising Blue Devil sophomore forward Kyle Filipowski to come off the board at No. 10 overall and sophomore guard Tyrese Proctor to hear his name two picks later.

Proctor became the first 2022-23 Duke basketball player to decide to come back to take care of "unfinished business" and should be the 2023-24 Blue Devils' primary ballhandler alongside rising senior guard Jeremy Roach (not a projected draft pick at this point).

As for Filipowski, the reigning ACC Rookie of the Year, the 7-footer was a projected 2023 first-rounder before he announced his plan to return to Durham.

Givony and Woo see one more Blue Devil landing in the first round next year. At No. 27 overall, that prospect is forward Mark Mitchell, another rising sophomore who is one of the four returning starters from Duke's ACC Tournament championship squad last year.

RELATED: List of Duke's All-Time First-Round Draft Picks

But it's worth noting that several other 2024 mock drafts view next season's Duke basketball talents quite differently.

Many exclude Mitchell from the first round, while some put Proctor ahead of Filipowski. And a few have incoming five-star guard and potential starter Jared McCain in the first round; NBA Draft Room tags him as a late lottery pick at No. 12.

Entering his second year at the helm with a generous supply of probable future NBA players, head coach Jon Scheyer and his bunch are contenders for the top spot in the preseason AP Top 25.

RELATED: Duke Versus Kentucky in Rupp Arena Next Season?

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country for daily Duke basketball news.

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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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