Last go-round, the Duke basketball program saw four of its players with eligibility remaining declare for the NBA Draft. All three freshmen on that list came off the board in the top 10.
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The number of lottery picks out of Duke might be lower next summer, and it’s not a sure thing that the Blue Devils will repeat their achievement of producing the top pick (Cooper Flagg went No. 1 to the Dallas Mavericks back in June).
Then again, considering how many players for No. 4-ranked Duke (8-0, 0-0 ACC) have seen their stocks climb with the blueblood school enjoying its best start to a season since 2017-18, it wouldn’t be wise not to rule out either of those possibilities.
May 12, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, US; Duke players R-L Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel,and Khaman Maluach. during the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery at McCormick Place. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images / David Banks-Imagn Images
On Monday, NBA Draft On SI released its latest first-round projections.
Five Duke basketball underclassmen, including three rookies in Durham, appear among the first 26 selections:
Nov 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) drives to the basket against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images / Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Nov 14, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Dame Sarr (7) reacts after hitting a three-pointer during the second half against the Indiana State Sycamores at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images / Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images
Nov 14, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA;
Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer (right) talks to guard Cayden Boozer (2) during the first half against the Indiana State Sycamores at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images / Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images
Jon Scheyer and his fourth Duke basketball squad next host the defending national champions in the Florida Gators (5-2, 0-0 SEC), currently No. 15 in the AP Top 25 Poll, at 7:30 p.m. ET Tuesday (ESPN), part of the ACC/SEC Challenge.
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