In a night that felt more like a fairytale than reality, Duke Basketball shattered records and etched its name into NBA Draft history. For the first time ever, an entire starting five from a single college program was selected in one draft — and that program was Duke. From Cooper Flagg’s emotional No. 1 selection to Tyrese Proctor’s grind-to-glory moment at pick No. 49, the Brotherhood stood tall, proud, and undeniable. It wasn’t just a draft — it was a coronation of chemistry, culture, and championship character.
🏀 1. Cooper Flagg – Round 1, Pick 1 – Dallas Mavericks
The night began with the inevitable. Cooper Flagg, the generational forward from Maine, heard his name called first overall by the Dallas Mavericks. As cameras cut to his small-town celebration in Newport, tears flowed freely — both on-screen and across America. Flagg became the first Maine native to ever go No. 1 in the NBA Draft and instantly joins a team with fellow Duke alum Kyrie Irving and rising big man Dereck Lively II.
Flagg’s combination of two-way dominance, maturity, and sheer competitiveness made him a no-brainer at No. 1. His journey — from quiet gym rat to draft-night superstar — is a symbol of Duke’s player development under head coach Jon Scheyer. With the pressure of being “the next great one,” Flagg now carries the hopes of a franchise and the pride of a state.
🏀 2. Kon Knueppel – Round 1, Pick 4 – Charlotte Hornets
Selected fourth overall by the Charlotte Hornets, Kon Knueppel was perhaps the most surprising Top 5 pick — but certainly not undeserved. A smooth-shooting wing from Wisconsin, Knueppel quietly rose from “underrated” to “unmissable” throughout the season. His clutch shooting, elite basketball IQ, and unshakeable composure made him a rock in Duke’s lineup.
Wearing a dark, elegant suit with a subtle cross on his lapel, Knueppel’s draft moment wasn’t flashy — it was faith-filled and focused. His interview, backed by his basketball-playing brothers, gave fans a rare look at the tight-knit family values that define the Brotherhood. Charlotte is getting more than a shooter — they’re getting a student of the game with star potential.
🏀 3. Khaman Maluach – Round 1, Pick 10 – Traded to Phoenix Suns
No story on draft night tugged hearts like that of Khaman Maluach, who was selected 10th overall by Houston and immediately traded to the Phoenix Suns. A former refugee from South Sudan, Maluach began playing basketball only five years ago — after someone on a motorcycle told him he was tall and should try it. From there, he trained in Uganda, joined NBA Academy Africa, and ultimately landed at Duke.
When his name was called, Maluach bowed his head, overcome by emotion. Tears streamed down his face, capturing the magnitude of his journey. His shot-blocking and rebounding already make him a defensive anchor, but his ceiling is sky-high. In Phoenix, he’ll be mentored by Duke veterans like Grayson Allen, Mason Plumlee, and newly acquired Mark Williams, all part of the ever-growing Brotherhood legacy in the league.
🏀 4. Sion James – Round 2, Pick 33 – Milwaukee Bucks
The feel-good surprise of the night was Sion James, drafted early in the second round by the Milwaukee Bucks. A transfer to Duke with a relentless motor and leadership presence, James made his name through grit, hustle, and heart. He played the game like every possession mattered — and NBA scouts noticed.
His fit in Milwaukee, alongside stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, could be electric. James doesn’t need the spotlight — he thrives in the dirty work, the glue-guy role, and the moments others shy from. His drafting shows the league still values character over hype, and James has plenty of both.
🏀 5. Tyrese Proctor – Round 2, Pick 49 – San Antonio Spurs
Rounding out the historic five was Tyrese Proctor, selected by the San Antonio Spurs at pick No. 49. Once projected as a lottery pick early in his college career, Proctor’s path wasn’t easy — injuries, inconsistency, and shifting roles tested his resolve. But the Australian guard never wavered.
On draft night, his selection was met with cheers of relief and redemption. Proctor is a high-IQ, pass-first floor general with a smooth jumper and international experience. Joining Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio gives him a chance to grow under legendary coaching, and his maturity should serve him well in the league’s most stable rebuild.
A Brotherhood First
What makes this moment special isn’t just the history — it’s the humanity. These five players didn’t just share a court — they shared a bond. They lifted each other, sacrificed egos, and committed to something bigger than themselves. That something is Duke Basketball.
In a draft where stars rose, dreams came true, and legacies began, it was Duke that stood tallest — not because of one pick, but because of five. Five different journeys. Five different backgrounds. One Brotherhood.
History has been made. And the Brotherhood marches on.
