2025 NBA Draft Prospects: Top 5 Duke Blue Devils players to watch out
The Duke Blue Devils have a history of producing high-caliber NBA talent. Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum, Zion Williamson and Paolo Banchero are just a few NBA stars who once donned the program’s jersey. Despite being labeled as a relatively weak talent pool this year, two of its best players from last season heard their names called out in the 2024 NBA draft.
The Philadelphia 76ers picked Jared McCain at No. 16 while Kyle Filipowski waited a day to land with the Utah Jazz as the No. 32 overall pick. Now, as college basketball heads towards a new season, here's a closer look at the top 2025 NBA draft prospects that could emerge out of Duke.
Top 5 Duke Blue Devils draft prospects to watch out for in 2025
#1. Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg is perhaps the most hyped player in the collegiate circuit and will garner season-long attention from big-league scouts. His talent was first scouted at Nike Peach Jam where he was a top two player as a 15-year-old and began making noise last year when players like LeBron James hinted at his potential.
The 6-foot-9 wing is an incredibly athletic and mobile player who can create shots from all areas on the floor and can create easy buckets for his teammates. He is an elite rebounder who can grab and go to finish at the rim in a variety of ways. On the defensive end, he has great footwork, a feel for the game and timing on his blocks.
#2. Khaman Maluach
The 7-foot-2 Sudanese freshman came to Duke through NBA Academy Africa and brings huge long-term promise with mobility, size and athleticism. Offensively, Mauluach can sink the long ball and space the floor while he develops his handle. Defensively, he can anticipate blocks, switch quickly and alter offense.
If Khaman Maluach manages to live up to the expectations from him, he can easily become a first-rounder in the 2025 NBA draft.
#3. Kon Knueppel
The freshman from Milwaukee has all the right tools to immediately create an impact on Duke’s 2024-25 roster. The 6-foot-5 guard can take smart decisions, make shots at high clip, share the ball and has enough leap and strength to rebound well for his size.
Even though the chances of Kneuppel gaining a starting role are slim, he can become a key player off the bench.
#4. Caleb Foster
Caleb Foster will see increased court time in his sophomore year and plenty of opportunities to showcase the extensions to his game. He produced efficiently while making plays through screens and scoring off the dribble last season.
At 6-foot-5, Foster has good size for the guard role and harbors a 40% 3-point touch, making him a walking threat.
#5. Isaiah Evans
Freshman Isaiah Evans has already shown increased shooting touch and has established chemistry with Cooper Flagg through the McDonald's All-American game in April.
The 6-foot-7 versatile wing is a highly confident prospect who likes to base his game on explosion and quickness. He has good shot mechanics, can score in multiple ways and could be Duke’s energizer bunny for the coming season.