Five basketball players from Duke were chosen in the most recent NBA mock draft by Bleacher Report.

Five Duke Basketball Players Selected in the Most Recent NBA Mock Draft: A Bright Future Ahead

Duke University has long been one of the most successful and respected programs in NCAA basketball, and its tradition of developing NBA talent is a key component of that success. Under the guidance of former head coach Mike Krzyzewski and now Jon Scheyer, Duke has produced countless NBA stars who have gone on to achieve greatness in the professional ranks. The most recent NBA mock draft by Bleacher Report highlights the continued dominance of Duke in the recruiting world, with five players from the program selected in the projected 2025 NBA Draft. These five players represent a new generation of Blue Devils who are poised to make their mark on the NBA, continuing Duke’s legacy of success in the professional basketball world.

This article will break down the five Duke players named in the mock draft, examining their potential, how they contribute to the Blue Devils, and what makes them prime candidates for a successful transition to the NBA.

1. Kyle Filipowski – Projected Top 10 Pick

Kyle Filipowski, a 7-foot forward/center, has been one of Duke’s most impactful players in recent years. Known for his versatile game, Filipowski has excelled as both a scorer and a defender for the Blue Devils. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him a highly sought-after prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Filipowski’s skill set is unique for a player of his size. He possesses excellent touch around the rim and can stretch the floor with his shooting, making him a potential stretch-five in the NBA. His ability to knock down shots from deep and stretch opposing defenses is something that has made him one of the most versatile big men in college basketball. Additionally, Filipowski is known for his strong rebounding ability and shot-blocking, making him an important presence on both ends of the court.

What stands out about Filipowski is his basketball IQ. He is a smart player who can read defenses and create opportunities for his teammates. His passing ability, particularly in the high post, adds another layer to his game. NBA scouts have taken notice of his well-rounded skill set, which makes him a potential lottery pick in the upcoming draft. His ability to impact the game in a variety of ways makes him a strong candidate to hear his name called early on draft night.

For Duke, Filipowski’s presence in the paint has been crucial in both their offense and defense. His leadership, on-court versatility, and high-level basketball skills have made him a foundational piece for the Blue Devils. If he continues to develop his perimeter shooting and maintain his dominance in the post, Filipowski could have a very successful career in the NBA.

2. Tyrese Proctor – Projected Top 20 Pick

Tyrese Proctor has quickly become one of the most promising young guards in college basketball. A 6-foot-5 combo guard from Australia, Proctor brings a unique skill set that has NBA scouts intrigued. His combination of size, athleticism, and court vision makes him an ideal fit for the modern NBA, where versatility and the ability to play multiple positions are highly valued.

Proctor has been a key player for Duke, contributing significantly on both ends of the court. Offensively, he is a dynamic playmaker who can create opportunities for both himself and his teammates. His ability to drive to the basket, coupled with his solid mid-range jumper, makes him a scoring threat. On defense, Proctor is quick and can guard multiple positions, adding value as a two-way player.

What makes Proctor particularly intriguing for NBA teams is his potential as a point guard. While he has the size to play the two-guard position, his ability to run an offense and create for others is a crucial skill. As the primary ball handler for Duke, Proctor has demonstrated excellent court vision and passing ability, making him a valuable floor general. His defensive prowess, combined with his offensive upside, makes him an appealing prospect for teams looking for a versatile guard.

Proctor has the potential to be an immediate contributor in the NBA, with his ability to play both guard positions and his defensive versatility. If he can continue to develop his outside shooting and refine his decision-making, Proctor could quickly find a role on an NBA roster and make a significant impact.

3. Dereck Lively II – Projected Mid-First Round Pick

Dereck Lively II, a 7-foot-1 center, has been one of the top defensive players in college basketball. Known for his elite shot-blocking ability, Lively has earned a reputation as one of the most dominant rim protectors in the country. His size, athleticism, and defensive instincts make him an intriguing prospect for NBA teams, who place a premium on players who can make an immediate impact on the defensive end.

Lively’s shot-blocking is what sets him apart from other big men. He has an innate ability to alter shots around the rim and protect the paint, which is crucial in today’s NBA, where defending the pick-and-roll and rim protection are key components of a team’s defense. While Lively’s offensive game is still a work in progress, his ability to run the floor and finish plays around the basket is an asset. He is also an elite rebounder, which further boosts his value as a potential NBA center.

Lively’s NBA future depends on his continued development on the offensive end, particularly with his post moves and perimeter shooting. However, his defensive skills alone make him a candidate to go in the mid-first round, as his ability to change the course of a game defensively is highly coveted by NBA teams. If Lively can continue to refine his offensive game, he could become a top-tier center in the NBA, providing elite rim protection and rebounding while improving his offensive versatility.

4. Jared McCain – Projected Late First Round Pick

Jared McCain is a 6-foot-3 guard who brings a scoring punch to the Duke lineup. Known for his shooting ability, McCain is one of the best perimeter shooters in college basketball, with a quick release and deep range that make him a dangerous offensive threat. His ability to score from all areas of the court, combined with his work ethic and competitive nature, has made him a key player for Duke this season.

McCain’s shooting ability is his most prominent skill, and it’s one that NBA scouts are sure to be watching closely. His three-point shooting and mid-range game are polished, and he can stretch the floor in a way that is highly valued in the NBA. He has a quick release, making it difficult for defenders to contest his shots. While McCain is primarily known for his scoring, he is also capable of making plays for his teammates, showcasing good court vision and passing ability.

While McCain’s defense is not as advanced as his offensive game, he has shown the potential to develop into a solid two-way player. His athleticism and work ethic suggest that he can improve on that end of the floor, which would make him a more complete prospect for NBA teams. McCain’s shooting ability alone makes him a valuable asset, and he is likely to be selected in the late first round, with the potential to carve out a role as a sharp-shooting guard in the NBA.

5. Mark Mitchell – Projected Early Second Round Pick

Mark Mitchell, a 6-foot-8 forward, has the potential to be a versatile forward at the next level. While he may not get as much attention as some of his Duke teammates, Mitchell’s all-around game has made him an intriguing prospect. Known for his athleticism, Mitchell can contribute both offensively and defensively, and his versatility makes him a valuable asset to any NBA team.

Mitchell is a strong defender who can guard multiple positions, from small forwards to power forwards. His ability to guard on the perimeter, as well as protect the rim, adds value to his skill set. Offensively, Mitchell has shown flashes of potential as a scorer, both in transition and in half-court settings. His shooting has improved, though it remains an area for further development, and if he can continue to refine his jump shot, he could become a more complete offensive player.

What sets Mitchell apart is his potential as a “3-and-D” player in the NBA. His defensive ability and athleticism make him a strong candidate for teams looking for a versatile forward who can contribute on both ends of the floor. If Mitchell continues to develop his offensive game and shooting consistency, he could become a solid role player at the NBA level, with a potential to move up into the first round as the draft approaches.