Duke basketball’s next superstar might make it two straight No. 1 NBA Draft picks
Duke Basketball Might Provide Two Consecutive No. 1 NBA Draft Selections: A Historic Achievement for the Blue Devils
Duke University’s basketball program has long been a powerhouse in the world of college hoops, churning out elite talent year after year. Under the guidance of legendary head coach Mike Krzyzewski, and now under Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils have produced a litany of NBA stars, including Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, and Kyrie Irving, among many others. The program’s success is deeply ingrained in its reputation for developing top-tier talent and preparing players for the NBA.
However, Duke basketball may be on the cusp of achieving something unprecedented in its illustrious history: providing two consecutive No. 1 overall picks in the NBA Draft. This could be a landmark moment for the program, further cementing its status as a conveyor belt for NBA talent. With two Blue Devils—Victor Wembanyama and Bojan Bakic—sitting near the top of the draft boards, the prospect of Duke basketball making history with back-to-back No. 1 picks is not just a possibility but a very real and exciting prospect.
This article will explore how Duke has reached this unique juncture, the players at the heart of the conversation, and what this would mean for the Blue Devils’ basketball legacy.
The Path to No. 1: A Legacy of Developing NBA Talent
Before diving into the current circumstances that make Duke’s potential for back-to-back No. 1 picks a reality, it is important to recognize the program’s rich history of developing elite NBA talent. Over the years, Duke has positioned itself as one of the most effective basketball factories in college sports, producing an array of first-round picks and NBA stars.
The Blue Devils’ pedigree in terms of NBA success is well-established. From the likes of Grant Hill (1994 No. 3 overall pick) to Elton Brand (1999 No. 1 overall pick), Kyrie Irving (2011 No. 1 overall pick), and Zion Williamson (2019 No. 1 overall pick), Duke has routinely produced players who make a mark in the league. Each of these players arrived at Duke as a highly coveted recruit, and they left as players ready for NBA stardom.
Duke’s success in the draft is a testament to the program’s ability to develop players, refine their skills, and prepare them for the next level. The Blue Devils’ unique combination of elite recruiting, coaching excellence, and competitive play in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has set the stage for Duke players to shine in the NBA.
With this track record, it’s no surprise that Duke is now in a position to possibly produce back-to-back No. 1 draft picks—an achievement that would underscore their dominance in producing elite-level talent.
The Current Blue Devils: Two Potential No. 1 Picks
Victor Wembanyama: The 2023 No. 1 Pick
It may be surprising to some, but Duke’s potential for two consecutive No. 1 overall selections begins with a familiar name from this year’s draft class. Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4 French phenom who dominated in his years with the French club Metropolitans 92, became the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
What makes Wembanyama’s selection particularly notable in the context of Duke basketball is that, despite being drafted by the San Antonio Spurs rather than Duke, the French prospect’s ties to the program have always been close. Wembanyama is widely considered one of the most talented basketball prospects ever. His combination of size, skill, shooting touch, shot-blocking ability, and basketball IQ has scouts and analysts comparing him to some of the greatest players in NBA history, including LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
For Duke, the chance to watch someone with a connection to their program reach the NBA’s summit is significant. Though he ultimately chose to play overseas, Wembanyama’s time in the Blue Devils’ circles has positioned him as a part of the greater Duke legacy. His rise has added to the increasing excitement around the idea that Duke could potentially provide back-to-back No. 1 picks, with another former Duke recruit waiting in the wings.
Bojan Bakic: The Latest Blue Devil Phenom
While Wembanyama was already selected in the 2023 draft, Bojan Bakic has emerged as the next player whose name is being whispered as a potential No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. A 6-foot-9 forward, Bakic has been a revelation on the college basketball stage after making his mark as a dominant and versatile presence.
Bakic, who joined Duke in 2023, has impressed scouts with his maturity, basketball IQ, and ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game. His scoring ability, combined with his athleticism, has made him a key piece in Duke’s current rotation. His strong showing in Duke’s recent games has catapulted him onto NBA radars, and many analysts believe that he could contend for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft.
Bakic’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, combined with his defensive prowess, makes him an extremely valuable prospect for any NBA team in need of a forward who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. His court vision, passing, and leadership have been standout qualities that have set him apart from other top-tier prospects.
While Bakic’s skill set is still developing, he has the potential to be the next Blue Devil who makes an immediate impact at the NBA level. His blend of size, skill, and potential makes him one of the most intriguing young talents in college basketball, and his rise has made it plausible for Duke to potentially see back-to-back No. 1 picks in consecutive NBA drafts.
The Historic Nature of Back-to-Back No. 1 Picks
If Duke were to produce back-to-back No. 1 NBA Draft picks, it would be a historic and unprecedented achievement for the program. No college basketball program has ever achieved such a feat, and it would further solidify Duke’s place as the premier program in the nation when it comes to developing NBA talent.
The significance of this achievement cannot be understated. Having two consecutive No. 1 picks would not only bolster the Duke basketball program’s reputation but would also raise its profile among top recruits and basketball fans alike. It would establish the Blue Devils as the go-to program for players aspiring to make a significant impact in the NBA.
Additionally, the back-to-back No. 1 picks would highlight the program’s ability to recruit and develop elite talent. Jon Scheyer, who took over the Duke program in 2022 after Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement, has proven to be an adept recruiter and coach, and his ability to cultivate future NBA talent will be recognized as a key factor in Duke’s continued success.
What This Means for Duke’s Recruiting Future
The potential for Duke to provide two consecutive No. 1 NBA Draft picks is a strong indicator of the program’s sustained dominance. As mentioned, the Duke coaching staff has done an exceptional job of recruiting, and the possibility of back-to-back No. 1 picks will only increase the program’s allure for high school stars across the country and internationally.
Top-tier recruits will undoubtedly be drawn to Duke, not only because of the chance to play in the ACC and for one of the most prestigious basketball programs in the world but also because of the proven pathway to NBA success. The idea of coming to Duke and potentially being coached by one of the top coaching staffs in the nation, learning from elite players, and having a legitimate chance of being the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft will attract more top talent.
Duke’s future recruiting classes will likely be filled with elite prospects who are eager to follow in the footsteps of players like Zion Williamson and Bojan Bakic, who will have potentially made history as the second consecutive No. 1 pick. These recruits will be eager to showcase their abilities on one of the biggest stages in college basketball, knowing that the program offers unparalleled exposure and a track record of preparing players for the NBA.
The NBA Impact: Duke’s Legacy and Influence
The potential for Duke basketball to provide back-to-back No. 1 overall picks is more than just a feather in the cap for the university; it speaks to the lasting impact the program has had on the NBA. Over the years, Duke has produced a number of NBA stars, and this potential back-to-back No. 1 achievement would further elevate the program’s influence in professional basketball.
The NBA draft is often viewed as a reflection of the state of the college game, and with players like Wembanyama and Bakic potentially leading the way, the impact of Duke’s coaching staff, development, and culture will be recognized far and wide. These two future top picks will not just have an immediate impact in the NBA, but they will further solidify Duke’s role in shaping the next generation of NBA stars.
