Duke’s starting five makes NBA Draft history, becoming the first lineup with all players selected in the first round.

The 2025 NBA Draft will be remembered as one of the most remarkable moments in college basketball history—thanks in large part to Duke University’s starting five. For the first time ever, every member of a college basketball team’s starting lineup was selected in the first round of the NBA Draft. This unprecedented achievement shines a bright spotlight on Duke’s basketball program and underscores the exceptional talent and development nurtured under its storied banner.

The feat is a testament to the individual and collective excellence of these players, as well as the coaching staff’s ability to mold raw talent into NBA-ready stars. In this article, we’ll explore the significance of this historic event, the players involved, how Duke developed such an elite group, and the broader implications for college basketball and the NBA.

The Historic Starting Five: Names and Draft Positions

Duke’s starting five that made history were selected as first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. This rare occurrence speaks volumes about their skills, potential, and the high expectations NBA franchises have for each player. The lineup included:

• Cameron Boozer: Projected as a top-5 pick, Boozer’s versatility and basketball IQ made him a coveted prospect.

• Jeremiah Fears: Known for his explosive athleticism and scoring ability, Fears was taken early in the first round.

• Chaz Lanier: A physical and skilled forward, Lanier impressed scouts with his rebounding and defensive prowess.

• Luther Burden III: A dynamic guard with great size and scoring ability, Burden’s draft stock soared throughout the season.

• Zakai Zeigler: A sharpshooting guard, Zeigler’s shooting accuracy and clutch play earned him a coveted first-round slot.

Each of these players contributed significantly to Duke’s success, both individually and as part of a cohesive unit.

How Duke Cultivated This Elite Group

Duke’s basketball program has a long-standing tradition of producing NBA-caliber talent. Head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff have continued that legacy by recruiting top prospects and developing them into first-round draft picks.

Elite Recruiting

Duke’s ability to attract five star-caliber athletes in the same season is a testament to its national reputation and recruiting prowess. The coaching staff’s relationships with high school coaches, AAU programs, and scouting networks are among the best in the country.

Player Development

What sets Duke apart is its focus on player development. Through state-of-the-art training facilities, individualized coaching, and a commitment to both skill and mental preparation, the program helps athletes transition from high school standouts to NBA-ready players.

Team Culture

The culture at Duke fosters competitiveness, accountability, and a team-first mentality. The players’ willingness to learn and push each other to improve contributed significantly to their growth.

Strategic Playing Time and Roles

Each player in the starting five was given clear roles suited to their strengths, allowing them to maximize their impact on the court while gaining invaluable experience against top competition.

The Impact on Duke’s 2024-25 Season

This starting five not only made history in the draft but also led Duke to one of its best seasons in recent memory. Their blend of talent, chemistry, and determination propelled the Blue Devils deep into the NCAA Tournament, where they were considered favorites for the national title.

• Offensive Firepower: With multiple scoring threats, Duke’s offense was dynamic and difficult to defend.

• Defensive Tenacity: The starting lineup’s athleticism translated into aggressive defense and fast-break opportunities.

• Leadership: Despite their youth, these players showed poise and leadership, guiding the team through tough games.

Their success on the court translated into national recognition and individual accolades, further boosting their draft stock.

What This Means for the NBA

The fact that an entire starting lineup from one college team was selected in the first round is significant for the NBA for several reasons:

Ready-Made Chemistry

These players bring existing chemistry to the NBA level, potentially translating to faster team cohesion if they are drafted by the same or nearby teams.

Impact on Draft Strategy

NBA teams may increasingly focus on college programs that have proven success in developing multiple NBA-ready players simultaneously.

Future NBA Stars

Given their talent and potential, this group is poised to shape the league’s future landscape, potentially forming the core of successful NBA franchises.

Increased Attention on Duke

This achievement further elevates Duke’s profile as a destination for top recruits seeking NBA preparation.

Historical Context and Comparisons

While Duke’s starting five making first-round picks is unprecedented, college basketball history has seen many teams produce multiple NBA stars. However, none have matched this exact feat of every starter going in the first round.

Other legendary college teams had several first-rounders, but typically not all five starters. This milestone sets a new benchmark for collegiate basketball excellence and player development.

Challenges Ahead for the Players

While being first-round picks is a monumental achievement, the transition to the NBA is never guaranteed to be smooth.

• Adapting to NBA Pace and Physicality: The NBA’s speed and physical demands require ongoing adaptation.

• Role Definition: Unlike college, NBA roles can be more specialized, and players must learn to excel within team systems.

• Pressure and Expectations: Being first-round picks brings high expectations and scrutiny from media and fans.

• Injury Management: The longer NBA season and increased intensity require attention to physical health and conditioning.

The coaching and support systems these players find themselves in will be crucial to their success at the next level.

Duke’s Legacy and the Future of College Basketball

This historic NBA Draft achievement reinforces Duke’s place among the elite college basketball programs. It also highlights a broader trend in college basketball where top programs are becoming pipelines for NBA talent more than ever before.

Impact on Recruiting

Success breeds success. This draft result will likely attract even more elite recruits to Duke, hoping to replicate this pathway to the NBA.

Program Investment

Schools across the country may increase investment in player development facilities, coaching staff, and resources to compete at this level.

Shaping the NCAA Landscape

As more players make the leap to the NBA quickly, college programs must balance winning championships with preparing athletes for professional careers.

Fan and Media Reaction

The reaction from fans, analysts, and media has been overwhelmingly positive and awe-inspired.

• Fan Enthusiasm: Duke fans celebrated this unique milestone with pride, sharing excitement across social media platforms.

• Media Coverage: Analysts praised the coaching staff and players, noting the rarity and difficulty of this accomplishment.

• Player Recognition: The players themselves acknowledged the historic nature of the moment while expressing gratitude for their coaches and teammates.

This collective celebration solidifies the moment as a landmark event in college basketball history.

Duke University’s starting five making NBA Draft history by all being selected in the first round is more than just a trivia fact—it’s a testament to the program’s excellence, the players’ dedication, and the evolving landscape of basketball development. This achievement sets a new standard for college teams and serves as an inspiration for future athletes aiming for the NBA.

As these five players embark on their professional journeys, the basketball world will watch with great anticipation, eager to see how their careers unfold and how Duke’s legacy continues to grow.

This historic draft moment will be remembered for decades as a shining example of teamwork, talent, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.