Following March Madness, six Duke basketball players were chosen in a recent ESPN NBA mock draft.

In the aftermath of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, which concluded with an intense and thrilling series of games, the Duke Blue Devils once again found themselves at the center of attention. This time, it wasn’t just because of their tournament performance, but because a staggering six Duke basketball players had been chosen in ESPN’s most recent NBA mock draft. This unprecedented level of representation has stirred excitement among fans and analysts alike, as Duke continues its legacy of producing top-tier basketball talent, ready to make their mark on the NBA.

The 2025 NBA Draft is shaping up to be a highly competitive affair, with multiple teams looking to rebuild and reshape their rosters. Amid this anticipation, Duke’s pipeline of talent has positioned itself as a goldmine for NBA franchises looking to bolster their squads. While some of these players have been stars for Duke, others have shown glimpses of greatness and potential, making their inclusion in the mock draft a testament to the depth and future prospects of the program.

The Six Blue Devils: A Breakdown of the Draft Picks

The players selected in ESPN’s recent mock draft span multiple positions, showcasing the versatility and breadth of talent coming out of the Duke program. From elite playmakers to elite defenders, the Blue Devils’ roster has it all. Let’s take a closer look at each player, their performances during the season, and how they are likely to fit into the NBA landscape.

1. Cooper Flagg – Projected as the No. 1 Overall Pick

Cooper Flagg, the 6’8″ forward from Maine, has long been considered one of the most exciting prospects in recent years. His blend of size, skill, and versatility has captured the attention of scouts, and after a standout season with Duke, it’s no surprise that he is projected to go No. 1 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Flagg’s impact on the court is undeniable. He can play multiple positions, defend against nearly every player type, and create for himself and his teammates. His scoring ability, combined with his elite-level defense, makes him an invaluable asset for any team. This past season, Flagg averaged 19.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, while also contributing with nearly two blocks and steals per game. His all-around performance was key in Duke’s run to the Final Four, and his draft stock has only risen since.

The NBA team that lands Flagg is acquiring a player capable of being a franchise cornerstone. His high basketball IQ, leadership qualities, and work ethic make him an ideal candidate for teams that are rebuilding and need a player they can build around for years to come. In the NBA, Flagg’s ability to guard positions 1 through 5 and his offensive versatility are qualities that could immediately translate to success at the next level.

2. Tyrese Proctor – Projected as the No. 4 Overall Pick

Tyrese Proctor has been one of the most exciting guards in college basketball over the past few seasons. As a 6’5″ point guard, Proctor has been the heart of Duke’s offense, showcasing his vision, playmaking ability, and scoring prowess. Throughout the 2024-2025 season, Proctor averaged 17.5 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game, leading the Blue Devils both on and off the court.

What sets Proctor apart from other point guards in this draft is his versatility. He’s not just a traditional floor general — he’s also a dynamic scorer who can shoot from beyond the arc, drive to the basket, and create for his teammates in transition. His ability to handle pressure situations and take over games when needed makes him a valuable asset for any NBA team.

In the NBA, Proctor’s playmaking ability would fit perfectly into modern offenses that prioritize fast-paced, high-IQ basketball. His defensive improvements over the past year have made him a well-rounded prospect, and his potential as a primary ball handler at the next level is something NBA teams will be closely monitoring.

3. Kyle Filipowski – Projected as the No. 9 Overall Pick

Kyle Filipowski is a 7’0″ center who had a fantastic season in 2024-2025, further establishing his NBA potential. Filipowski’s size, coupled with his scoring touch and basketball IQ, makes him one of the most intriguing big men in this draft class. He has a great inside game but has also developed a respectable three-point shot, adding a modern twist to his offensive arsenal.

Filipowski averaged 18.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game this past season. His ability to stretch the floor and space the floor for teammates is invaluable, especially in today’s NBA, where big men need to be able to shoot from the perimeter. His rebounding ability, shot-blocking skills, and basketball IQ make him a player who can contribute immediately as a rotational piece, and over time, he could develop into a franchise-level center.

With the NBA’s emphasis on versatile bigs who can do it all — score, rebound, and defend — Filipowski’s development as a floor-spacing big man has caught the attention of scouts, and he figures to be one of the top picks in the draft.

4. Mark Mitchell – Projected as the No. 14 Overall Pick

Mark Mitchell, a 6’7″ forward from Duke, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the 2024-2025 season. While he didn’t always get the national attention that other players did, Mitchell quietly had a very strong season, averaging 15.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. His length, athleticism, and ability to guard multiple positions make him a valuable asset in today’s positionless NBA.

Mitchell has shown the ability to step up in big moments, and his performances in crucial games this season were key in Duke’s march to the Final Four. His versatility on both ends of the floor — his scoring, rebounding, and defense — has drawn comparisons to current NBA forwards like Jaden Ivey and Aaron Gordon, players who can guard several positions while contributing offensively.

At the next level, Mitchell’s defensive potential is his most enticing feature. His ability to guard multiple positions could see him carving out a niche as a two-way forward, and his ability to develop offensively makes him a project that NBA teams will be eager to invest in.

5. Dariq Whitehead – Projected as the No. 18 Overall Pick

Dariq Whitehead has been a bit of a sleeper in this year’s draft, but don’t let his lower ranking fool you — he has first-round potential. A 6’6″ wing with impressive athleticism and a smooth shooting stroke, Whitehead was a major contributor to Duke’s offense throughout the season. Averaging 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, Whitehead showed the ability to score from anywhere on the court.

Whitehead’s true strength lies in his scoring ability. He has a quick release, deep range on his jump shot, and an ability to finish at the rim with authority. His defensive potential, coupled with his scoring, gives him a high ceiling in the NBA. Whitehead will need to develop more as a playmaker, but his scoring prowess and physical tools make him a high-risk, high-reward pick in the draft.

NBA teams will be particularly interested in Whitehead’s ability to develop into a 3-and-D player at the next level. If he can improve his defensive consistency, he could quickly become a valuable role player in the NBA.

6. Jaylen Blakes – Projected as the No. 29 Overall Pick

The final Duke player in ESPN’s mock draft is Jaylen Blakes, a 6’2″ guard with a lot of upside. Though he played a relatively smaller role for Duke this past season, Blakes showed his potential when given the opportunity. Averaging 8.9 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game, Blakes proved he could be a steady ball handler, a solid defender, and a reliable scorer when needed.

Blakes’ primary appeal at the next level lies in his ability to distribute the basketball and his tenacious defense. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t always get the headlines, but his impact on the game is undeniable. His defensive prowess and leadership qualities could make him an excellent choice for a team looking to add depth and energy to their backcourt.

Duke’s Continued Legacy of Producing NBA Talent

The fact that six players from Duke have been selected in the recent ESPN NBA mock draft is a testament to the program’s enduring ability to develop top-tier talent. Coach Jon Scheyer, in his continued leadership of the program, has proven to be capable of continuing Duke’s legacy as one of the premier basketball factories in the country. These players have the potential to not only contribute at the NBA level but also impact the league for years to come.

As the draft approaches, it’s clear that Duke’s dominance in college basketball isn’t just about team success; it’s about producing high-quality individual talent that can transition seamlessly to the NBA. Whether it’s a potential No. 1 pick like Cooper Flagg or a late-first-round pick like Jaylen Blakes, Duke is once again demonstrating why it remains one of the most coveted destinations for future NBA stars.

In a year where college basketball is flooded with talent, the Blue Devils stand out as the team that continues to produce top NBA prospects year in and year out. With six players projected to be selected in the first round, Duke is setting the stage for yet another era of NBA dominance, ensuring that its place in basketball history remains secure for years to come.