One year after sending five players to the NBA Draft, Duke has reloaded.
Few programs in college basketball boast a pipeline to the NBA like Duke, and once again, the Blue Devils enter the new season stacked with talent that scouts are already circling on their draft boards. After sending multiple players to the pros in recent years—including Paolo Banchero, Dereck Lively II, and Mark Williams—Jon Scheyer’s squad has reloaded with a roster that could easily dominate the 2024–25 season and beyond.
A Recruiting Class Packed with Star Power
Scheyer, now in his third year as head coach, has secured another elite recruiting haul. Headlining the class are several five-star prospects, each with NBA-ready skillsets:
Cooper Flagg – Widely regarded as the No. 1 recruit in the country, Flagg brings two-way dominance as a versatile forward with elite defensive instincts, advanced shot creation, and high basketball IQ. Some scouts are already penciling him in as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Isaiah Evans – A dynamic wing scorer, Evans has length and athleticism that fit today’s NBA mold. His ability to create off the dribble and knock down perimeter shots makes him a prime one-and-done candidate.
Khaman Maluach – The 7-foot-1 center from South Sudan is one of the most intriguing prospects in the world. With rim protection, rebounding, and emerging offensive skills, Maluach projects as a lottery-level big man with shades of Serge Ibaka and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Patrick Ngongba II – Another highly touted frontcourt presence, Ngongba combines strength and touch around the rim, giving Duke a deep, NBA-caliber rotation in the paint.
Returning Veterans Add Balance
What makes this Duke roster especially dangerous isn’t just the freshmen—it’s the blend of returning players with NBA aspirations. Tyrese Proctor tested the draft waters last year but returned to refine his game. His playmaking and shooting could make him a first-rounder. Caleb Foster and Jared McCain are also poised for breakout seasons, each showcasing skill sets that translate to the professional level.
Duke’s NBA Draft Factory Status
Duke has produced 106 NBA Draft picks all-time, with 46 in the first round. Under Mike Krzyzewski, the program became a guaranteed NBA talent pipeline, and Scheyer has quickly proven he can sustain that legacy. What sets this year apart is the sheer volume of pro-ready players on the roster. Multiple scouts project as many as five or six Blue Devils hearing their names called on draft night—an output rivaling Kentucky’s best years.
Outlook for the Season
For now, the focus remains on winning another national championship. With a loaded frontcourt, versatile scoring wings, and steady guard play, Duke has the balance to make a deep March run. But every game will also double as a showcase for future NBA stars.
Whether it’s Cooper Flagg’s highlight-reel defense, Maluach’s rim protection, or McCain’s sharpshooting, NBA teams will be watching closely. In many ways, the 2024–25 Duke team looks less like a college roster and more like a training ground for tomorrow’s pros.
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