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Six Duke basketball players are selected in Bleacher Report’s most recent NBA mock draft.

As the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament reaches its climax, the spotlight on college basketball intensifies, with the focus shifting not only to teams vying for a national championship but also to the future of their top players. For the Duke Blue Devils, a program known for producing NBA talent year in and year out, the 2025 draft class is no exception. Six Duke players have been prominently featured in Bleacher Report’s most recent NBA mock draft, a testament to the program’s continued dominance in developing elite prospects for the professional ranks.

This article dives into the six Blue Devils selected in the mock draft, examining their individual skills, their potential in the NBA, and how their time at Duke has prepared them for the next level. From highly touted freshmen to seasoned veterans, each of these players brings something unique to the table, and their future in the NBA seems incredibly bright.

1. Cooper Flagg – Projected to Go No. 1 Overall

No player has garnered more attention than Cooper Flagg, who is widely regarded as the top prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft. As a freshman at Duke, Flagg has lived up to the immense hype surrounding him. Standing at 6’9″ with a versatile skill set, Flagg is a two-way player who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. His combination of size, basketball IQ, and athleticism has led many analysts to consider him the best player in college basketball. Bleacher Report has Cooper Flagg projected to go No. 1 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Flagg’s offensive game is built around his ability to stretch the floor and score in a variety of ways. He’s a capable ball handler for his size, allowing him to create off the dribble and break down defenders. His shot-making ability, particularly from deep, has been a key element of his offensive arsenal, making him a dangerous weapon in Duke’s fast-paced system. Moreover, Flagg has shown an advanced understanding of how to read defenses, making him not just a scorer but also an exceptional passer for his position.

On the defensive side, Flagg’s athleticism is a game-changer. His length and timing allow him to excel as a shot-blocker and a rebounder. He has the ability to guard multiple positions, a valuable trait in today’s NBA, where positionless basketball has become the norm. His defensive versatility, combined with his offensive skill set, makes Flagg a rare prospect that can impact every facet of the game.

In his one season at Duke, Flagg has already shown signs of becoming a franchise player, and his future in the NBA looks extremely promising. His combination of youth, skill, and upside is what puts him at the top of Bleacher Report’s NBA mock draft.

2. Kyle Filipowski – Projected to Go No. 5 Overall

A familiar face in the Duke program, Kyle Filipowski has continued to develop into one of the top players in college basketball. The 7’0″ center from Massachusetts has showcased a combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ that has elevated his stock ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft. Filipowski has been a consistent force for Duke this season, earning recognition for his scoring ability, rebounding, and leadership on the court.

Filipowski’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting range has made him a standout in Duke’s offense. His three-point shooting is a unique asset for a player of his size, allowing him to be a stretch big who can punish defenses that sag off of him. Additionally, Filipowski’s post moves are polished, and his footwork in the low block is reminiscent of an old-school center. He has also displayed strong passing ability, making him an intriguing offensive weapon for the NBA.

Defensively, Filipowski uses his size to protect the rim and corral rebounds. While he may not be as mobile as some of the more athletic bigs in the NBA, his positioning and understanding of defensive concepts help mitigate those shortcomings. Filipowski’s ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, combined with his high basketball IQ, makes him a valuable asset at the next level.

Projected to go No. 5 overall in Bleacher Report’s mock draft, Filipowski is expected to contribute immediately as a modern NBA big who can both space the floor and protect the rim.

3. Jeremy Roach – Projected to Go No. 11 Overall

Duke’s Jeremy Roach, one of the program’s leaders on and off the court, has elevated his game in the 2025 season, which has drawn considerable NBA interest. As a senior point guard, Roach has become a steady presence in Duke’s backcourt. His leadership, scoring ability, and defensive prowess make him one of the most complete point guards in the country.

Roach has the ability to control the pace of a game, making him an ideal candidate to run an NBA offense. His scoring comes in a variety of ways, from shooting the three to attacking the basket and finishing through contact. Roach’s basketball IQ is a key asset, as he excels in pick-and-roll situations and has shown an advanced feel for creating plays for others. His leadership and clutch gene were on full display during Duke’s tournament run, as Roach consistently made timely plays when his team needed him the most.

Defensively, Roach is quick and aggressive, using his on-ball defense to disrupt opposing offenses. His ability to guard multiple positions has helped him stand out in the crowded point guard market for the NBA. His size, standing at 6’2″, is ideal for the modern NBA point guard role, and he has the tools to be a solid defender at the next level.

With his poise, leadership, and versatility, Roach is projected to go No. 11 overall in Bleacher Report’s mock draft, with many expecting him to make an immediate impact as a backup point guard or a combo guard at the next level.

4. Tyrese Proctor – Projected to Go No. 14 Overall

Freshman guard Tyrese Proctor has been another standout for Duke this season, and he is expected to be a high draft pick in 2025. Standing at 6’5″, Proctor possesses excellent size for a point guard, and his skill set has earned him attention from NBA scouts. A smooth, natural scorer, Proctor has the ability to create his own shot and make plays for his teammates. His shooting, particularly from the three-point line, has been a key element of his offensive game, and his ability to attack the basket gives him a well-rounded offensive profile.

What sets Proctor apart, however, is his basketball IQ and playmaking ability. Despite being a freshman, Proctor shows a maturity in his decision-making and court vision that is rare for his age. He’s able to operate in high-pressure situations and has developed a knack for making the right play at the right time. His ball-handling and leadership have been crucial in Duke’s success this season, and he’s already demonstrated his potential to be a floor general at the next level.

Defensively, Proctor’s length and agility make him a formidable on-ball defender, and he has the ability to guard multiple positions effectively. His versatility is a major asset, and it’s one of the reasons he is projected to go No. 14 overall in Bleacher Report’s mock draft.

5. Mark Mitchell – Projected to Go No. 25 Overall

Another freshman whose stock has risen significantly is Mark Mitchell, a versatile forward who has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his time at Duke. Standing at 6’8″ with a strong frame and impressive athleticism, Mitchell has the tools to be a standout player at the next level. While he hasn’t garnered the same attention as some of his more hyped teammates, his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor has made him a valuable piece for Duke’s championship aspirations.

Mitchell has a strong all-around game, capable of scoring both inside and out. He’s developed a solid jump shot, and his finishing ability around the basket is impressive. On the defensive end, Mitchell’s length and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions, making him a versatile forward who can switch on screens and defend both wings and bigger forwards.

Despite not being as polished offensively as some of his peers, Mitchell’s upside as a two-way player has made him a late first-round prospect. Projected to go No. 25 overall, Mitchell is seen as a high-potential player who could develop into a key contributor at the next level.

6. Ryan Young – Projected to Go No. 35 Overall

Finally, Ryan Young, the 6’10” senior center, has been a steady presence in Duke’s frontcourt throughout his career. While he doesn’t have the same flash or upside as some of the other players on this list, Young’s grit, toughness, and experience make him an intriguing prospect for NBA teams looking for a reliable big man who can contribute immediately.

Young’s rebounding ability, physicality in the paint, and leadership make him a valuable asset. His low-post scoring and ability to set screens and finish around the basket are aspects of his game that can translate well to the NBA. While his ceiling might not be as high as some of the other players in the draft, Young’s consistency and work ethic make him a solid pick for a team in need of a reliable, experienced big man.

Projected to go No. 35 overall, Young is likely to hear his name called in the second round, where he will have the chance to carve out a role as a role player or bench depth in the NBA.

 

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