Potential for Another Duke Basketball Talent to Land in Philadelphia: As many as five 2024-25 Duke basketball players could come off the board at the 2025 NBA Draft in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, June 25-26, as guards Tyrese Proctor and Sion James are widely projected second-rounders.

As the 2024-2025 college basketball season gets underway, all eyes are already turning to the upcoming NBA Draft, which will take place in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on June 25-26, 2025. With Duke basketball’s reputation for producing top-tier talent, it’s no surprise that the Blue Devils are expected to once again have a strong presence in the draft. This time, the potential for multiple Duke players to hear their names called—including as many as five Blue Devils—has fans excited about the future of the program and its continued pipeline to the professional ranks.

While the draft class of 2025 will undoubtedly feature a mix of standout players from across the nation, Duke’s roster includes several prospects who have already piqued the interest of NBA scouts and analysts. Among the most notable players are Tyrese Proctor and Sion James, two guards who have shown immense potential and are widely projected to be selected in the second round of the upcoming draft. Along with them, a group of talented teammates—some already highly regarded and others with significant upside—could also join them in the professional ranks. In particular, the possibility of having multiple Duke players taken in the 2025 NBA Draft underscores the program’s continued dominance in developing NBA-caliber talent and the high expectations for Coach Jon Scheyer’s second season in charge.

While Proctor and James are among the most discussed names, the Blue Devils’ roster in 2024-2025 features other players who could also make their way to the NBA, including some who could push for higher draft positions depending on their performances in the season. From potential lottery picks to high-ceiling prospects in later rounds, the future of Duke basketball looks bright, and the 2025 draft could be another banner year for the school’s storied legacy of producing professional talent.

Tyrese Proctor, a sophomore guard, is arguably the most hyped Duke prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft. Coming off a strong freshman season where he showcased his vision, ball-handling, and leadership abilities, Proctor enters the 2024-2025 season as one of the most highly anticipated draft prospects in his class. Proctor, originally from Australia, is a versatile guard with excellent court vision and an uncanny ability to create for his teammates. He’s known for his basketball IQ, capable of orchestrating an offense with poise, and his strong defensive skills, particularly when it comes to defending opposing guards.

Proctor’s smooth shooting form has improved since arriving at Duke, but his greatest asset is his ability to facilitate and make others better. His decision-making and playmaking were among the strongest aspects of his game in his freshman season, and as a result, NBA scouts are projecting him to be a second-round pick in 2025. As the primary ball-handler for Duke in 2024-2025, Proctor has a chance to raise his draft stock even further, especially if he can prove he is capable of consistently running a high-level offense while improving his scoring ability. Should he take a step forward in his development, Proctor could very well solidify his status as a first-round pick.

Though his shooting consistency is still a work in progress, Proctor’s playmaking, basketball IQ, and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor make him a coveted prospect for NBA teams looking for versatile, two-way guards. If Proctor continues to build on the foundation laid in his freshman year, it wouldn’t be a stretch to see him go higher than his projected second-round slot. His upside is significant, and the Blue Devils will be relying on him to play a leading role throughout the 2024-2025 season.

Sion James, another sophomore guard, has also emerged as a strong NBA prospect heading into the 2024-2025 season. James made an immediate impact during his freshman campaign, impressing with his athleticism, tenacity on defense, and ability to contribute offensively in spurts. What stands out about James is his raw potential. He is a highly athletic guard who excels in transition and can attack the rim with power. His ability to guard multiple positions makes him an intriguing defensive prospect for NBA teams looking for a two-way player capable of contributing right away.

While James’ offensive game is still developing, there are flashes of potential that have scouts buzzing. His ability to knock down spot-up threes and drive to the basket with force makes him a unique talent. On defense, he possesses quick hands and is relentless in his pursuit of steals and deflections. With a year of refinement under Coach Scheyer’s tutelage, James could elevate his game in the 2024-2025 season and position himself to be a highly sought-after prospect. If his offensive game catches up to his defensive prowess, it wouldn’t be surprising to see James leapfrog his second-round projection into the late first round.

James’ development as a ball handler and a more consistent shooter will be pivotal to his draft prospects. He has the athleticism and defensive skills to make an immediate impact in the NBA, but it’s his ability to round out his offensive game that will determine how high he goes in the 2025 Draft. Given his physical tools and the growth potential he possesses, James could be one of the surprise risers in the 2025 NBA Draft if he takes the next step in his development at Duke.

Beyond Proctor and James, Duke’s 2024-2025 roster features several other players who could join the list of Blue Devils drafted in 2025. The school has built a reputation not only for recruiting top-tier talent but also for developing those players into NBA-ready athletes. Here’s a look at some of the other Duke players who could see their names called on draft night.

• Kyle Filipowski: As a versatile forward with a strong offensive game, Filipowski is expected to be one of the top players for Duke this season. A solid shooter with the ability to stretch the floor and a savvy post player, Filipowski’s skills make him an intriguing NBA prospect. His rebounding and defensive abilities are also areas where he could stand out. If he continues to develop his perimeter shooting and defensive consistency, Filipowski could easily be a first-round pick in 2025.
• Mark Mitchell: Mitchell is another player to watch heading into the 2024-2025 season. The 6’8” forward has shown flashes of being a dynamic wing player with excellent athleticism and a versatile scoring game. His ability to defend multiple positions and his developing offensive game have scouts taking notice. Mitchell’s potential is sky-high, and if he can take on a bigger role at Duke this season, he may find himself in the conversation for the first round in 2025.
• Tyler Bilodeau: Though not as widely discussed as other Duke players, Bilodeau’s potential as a shot-blocker and interior presence could make him an intriguing late-round prospect. His size and ability to protect the rim could appeal to NBA teams looking for depth in the frontcourt. With more experience and a stronger showing during the 2024-2025 season, Bilodeau could make a name for himself and earn a spot in the draft.
• Jacob Grandison: The veteran transfer from Illinois brings valuable experience to the Blue Devils in 2024-2025. Grandison has been known for his shooting ability, especially from deep, and his leadership qualities could make him a solid second-round prospect. If he can prove he’s capable of being an impact player in a more prominent role for Duke, his stock could rise as an NBA-ready shooting guard or small forward.

With the potential for multiple Duke players to be selected in the 2025 NBA Draft, one team in particular has become a focal point for Duke fans: the Philadelphia 76ers. Philadelphia has long been a team on the rise, with Joel Embiid leading the charge as a perennial MVP candidate. However, the 76ers have also become a destination for Duke alumni, with several former Blue Devils already making their mark on the team.

Tyrese Proctor’s playmaking ability and versatility as a guard could make him a natural fit in Philadelphia’s backcourt. His ability to facilitate offense could complement the 76ers’ existing talent, particularly Embiid, who often requires a creative ball handler to get him easy looks. If Proctor continues to develop as a point guard and a more consistent shooter, the 76ers may find him to be an ideal option as a second-round pick who could provide immediate depth and spark.

Meanwhile, Sion James’ defensive prowess and athleticism could make him an intriguing prospect for the 76ers, who have often relied on strong defensive rotations and transition play. James’ potential as a two-way guard would fit well with Philadelphia’s needs, especially if he can become more reliable offensively in his second season at Duke. If James can show significant growth, he could be a target for the 76ers as a dynamic role player who can contribute both on offense and defense.

Beyond Proctor and James, if any of Duke’s other draft hopefuls, such as Kyle Filipowski or Mark Mitchell, also make their way to the NBA in 2025, the 76ers’ front office could look to take advantage of the Blue Devils’ deep talent pool. The development of Duke players in recent years has positioned them as an exciting source of NBA-ready talent, and Philadelphia could very well be the next team to benefit from that pipeline.

As the 2024-2025 season unfolds, it’s clear that Duke is once again primed to send a strong group of players to the NBA. Whether it’s Tyrese Proctor’s rise as a playmaking guard or Sion James’ growth as a two-way talent, Duke basketball remains a prominent force in shaping the future of professional

basketball. As multiple Blue Devils prepare for what could be a historic draft, the excitement surrounding the 2025 NBA Draft—and the possibility of seeing multiple Duke players selected—is palpable.

While the focus may be on the immediate future, the continued success of Duke players in the NBA Draft cements the program’s reputation as one of the premier institutions for producing elite basketball talent. As the Blue Devils push forward under Coach Jon Scheyer, the legacy of NBA-bound players from Duke looks set to continue, with Philadelphia—and the rest of the NBA—eagerly watching to see which Blue Devils will make their way into the professional ranks.