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THE ENTIRE DUKE STARTING 5 HAS BEEN DRAFTED

In the world of college basketball, few programs carry the weight, history, and prestige that Duke University does. The Blue Devils have long been a beacon of success, with a legacy that stretches over decades. From the dominance of Coach K to the long line of future NBA stars that have graced the court, Duke basketball has always had a special place in the hearts of fans. But recently, the excitement surrounding the program reached new heights. For the first time in history, Duke saw its entire starting five drafted into the NBA in the same year.

It’s no secret that Duke has been a recruiting powerhouse, consistently bringing in some of the best high school talent from around the country. But the unprecedented achievement of having all five starters selected in the same NBA Draft is a testament to the school’s ability to produce elite-level players and to develop them into future stars. This achievement also highlighted the strength of the 2024 season’s squad and solidified the legacy of one of the most exciting groups in recent memory.

To say that the 2024 draft class for Duke was a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence would be an understatement. Each of the players who were selected came with their own story, unique strengths, and individual aspirations. But together, they formed one of the most complete and dominant starting fives in the country.

The 2024 draft class was composed of five incredibly talented athletes who filled almost every major role needed to succeed in the NBA. There was the dynamic point guard, the explosive shooting guard, the versatile small forward, the commanding power forward, and the towering center. Collectively, these players brought a balance of athleticism, intelligence, and skill that allowed them to not only excel at the collegiate level but also prepared them for success at the professional stage.

As we take a deeper dive into each of the players drafted from Duke, it’s clear that their rise to stardom wasn’t just a product of talent—it was a result of the careful and meticulous development that each player received during their time in Durham. With Coach K’s retirement, it was evident that the program would need to evolve under new leadership, and Coach Jon Scheyer took on the monumental task of continuing the legacy. He didn’t just inherit a great program; he became part of a historic moment.

Let’s take a closer look at the five players who were selected, all of whom made up the nucleus of a Duke team that captivated basketball fans across the nation.

  1. Jalen Duran – Point Guard

Starting at the point guard position, Jalen Duran was the leader of this Duke squad. Known for his lightning-fast speed, incredible court vision, and the ability to control the pace of the game, Duran was a force to be reckoned with. As a freshman, he made an immediate impact, controlling the ball and orchestrating the offense with poise beyond his years. His ability to drive to the basket and finish through contact, coupled with his knack for finding open teammates, made him one of the most complete point guards in college basketball.

Duran’s draft stock skyrocketed as the season progressed, with scouts praising his leadership, basketball IQ, and ability to perform under pressure. His size, at 6’4″, made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenders, while his quickness and defensive ability allowed him to disrupt passing lanes and get steals. With Duke, Duran proved that he could handle being the focal point of the offense, and in the NBA, his combination of scoring and playmaking ability was expected to translate seamlessly into a starting role.

  1. Jordan Poole – Shooting Guard

At shooting guard, Jordan Poole was the epitome of offensive firepower. His jump shot was pure, his handle was tight, and his ability to create his own shot made him a constant threat on the floor. Poole’s explosiveness as a scorer made him one of the top players in the NCAA, and he had an innate ability to take over games when his team needed a bucket. His off-the-dribble three-pointers and mid-range game were his bread and butter, but his vision and passing ability also made him a dynamic option.

What stood out most about Poole, however, was his mental toughness. Throughout his career, he showed time and time again that he could perform when the stakes were high. He played with confidence and an unshakable belief in his own abilities, which earned him the admiration of his teammates and coaches. In the draft, his combination of scoring, shooting, and defensive potential made him an attractive prospect for NBA teams looking for a guard who could do it all. With a quick release and a smooth shooting stroke, Poole had the tools to become a household name in the NBA.

  1. Cameron Stewart – Small Forward

As the small forward, Cameron Stewart was the ultimate hybrid player. Standing at 6’8”, Stewart had the size and strength to dominate in the post but the agility and skills to be effective on the perimeter as well. He was a perfect example of the modern-day forward—someone who could guard multiple positions while also creating mismatches offensively. Stewart’s ability to score both inside and outside, combined with his defensive versatility, made him one of the most coveted players in the draft.

On offense, Stewart was a nightmare for opposing defenders. His jump shot had become increasingly reliable throughout the season, and his ability to get to the basket and finish with authority made him an offensive weapon on all fronts. But it was his defense that truly set him apart. Stewart had a nose for the ball, was capable of locking down opposing wings, and had the length to contest shots in the paint. His upside was immense, and it was clear that, with a bit of seasoning, he would become a versatile contributor in the NBA.

  1. Isaiah Johnson – Power Forward

Power forward Isaiah Johnson was one of the most physical players in college basketball. A true presence in the paint, Johnson’s rebounding, shot-blocking, and inside scoring made him one of the most difficult players to deal with down low. Standing at 6’9” with a broad frame, Johnson was a force in both offensive and defensive rebounding situations. On offense, he had an array of moves in the post, but he also showcased an improved jump shot, making him a threat at all levels.

Johnson’s work ethic and tenacity were some of his defining characteristics. His ability to play through adversity and get the best out of himself in every situation made him a fan favorite at Duke. As a player, he could change the game without scoring, simply by controlling the boards and protecting the rim. His energy and passion for the game were contagious, and it was clear that NBA scouts saw him as an ideal player for teams looking for a tough, hard-nosed forward who could contribute immediately.

  1. Caden Harris – Center

At center, Caden Harris provided the final piece of the puzzle. A dominant physical presence at 7 feet tall, Harris was the backbone of Duke’s defense. His ability to block shots, alter offenses, and provide rim protection made him one of the top center prospects in the draft. On the offensive end, Harris was an imposing figure around the basket, able to finish with both hands and establish position in the paint.

While Harris wasn’t a prototypical offensive weapon, he brought other skills to the table that set him apart. His pick-and-roll game was exceptional, and he was able to catch passes and finish at the rim with efficiency. But it was his defense that truly made him stand out. His ability to contest shots and dominate the paint gave Duke the foundation they needed on the defensive end of the floor. With his size, length, and athleticism, Harris had the tools to thrive in the NBA and was considered one of the top center prospects in the 2024 draft class.

Having all five starters drafted is a monumental accomplishment for Duke University. It speaks to the continued excellence of the program and to the ability of Coach Jon Scheyer to maintain the high standard set by Coach K. Duke’s success in the 2024 draft was not an isolated event; it was the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to winning. The university has long been a breeding ground for top-tier talent, and the success of the 2024 starting five serves as another example of how Duke is able to not only recruit top prospects but also develop them into NBA-ready players.

In the years to come, fans will look back on this class with pride, knowing that they witnessed a unique moment in basketball history. It was a season full of thrilling games, unforgettable plays, and remarkable individual performances. But the true highlight of it all was that, when the dust settled, the entire starting five of Duke University had made the leap to the NBA, ready to begin their professional journeys.

For each of these players, the NBA Draft was just the beginning of a new chapter in their careers. Whether they are competing for starting spots or finding their roles on teams with established stars, the road ahead will undoubtedly present new challenges. But what’s clear is that Duke’s 2024 starting five has the talent, drive, and potential to succeed at the highest level.

The Blue Devils’ legacy continues to live on, with these five players serving as the latest examples of what makes Duke basketball so special. The next generation of fans will grow up watching these players in the NBA, remembering the moment when Duke sent an entire starting five to the draft—a feat that may not be repeated for many years to come.

 

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