The 2025 NBA draft is now in the books, and it was a busy two days for former Duke men’s basketball players. The Blue Devils matched the program record set in 2022 with five total players selected. Three of those five were picked in the top 10, which was just the third time three top-10 picks in the same draft hailed from the same school (Duke did it previously in 2019).
Cooper Flagg, who became the sixth No. 1 draft pick in program history when the Dallas Mavericks selected him, headlines Duke’s five-man 2025 NBA draft class. Here’s a rundown of all five players who were picked and where they’ll be continuing their careers.
Cooper Flagg – Dallas Mavericks (Round 1, Pick 1)
Flagg had long been the projected No. 1 pick, and there were no surprises on Wednesday night. He heads to Dallas, where he’ll become the new face of the franchise after the Mavs traded away star Luke Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers last season.
Kon Knueppel – Charlotte Hornets (Round 1, Pick 4)
Knueppel saw his draft stock rise throughout the process, and he ultimately cemented himself as a top-five pick as he joins the Charlotte Hornets as part of a core that already features LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. He wasn’t the only Duke player the Hornets selected, but more on that later.
Khaman Maluach – Phoenix Suns via Houston Rockets (Round 1, Pick 10)
Maluach was drafted by the Rockets, but his draft rights were traded to the Phoenix Suns as he joins a franchise looking to replace Kevin Durant, which it shipped to Houston as part of the trade that ultimately resulted in landing Maluach. The former Duke big man was the third top-10 pick in the draft for the Blue Devils.
Sion James – Charlotte Hornets (Round 2, Pick 33)
James will reunite with Knueppel in Charlotte as both will remain in the state of North Carolina. James couldn’t quite sneak into the first round, but he only lasted three picks before he was taken in the second.
Tyrese Proctor – Cleveland Cavaliers (Round 2, Pick 49)
The Sydney, Australia, native had to wait around a bit longer than James on Thursday, but he was ultimately selected, as well. Proctor heads to Cleveland to join a backcourt that already features 2025 First Team All-NBA selection Donovan Mitchell.
