The NBA Combine is a crucial event in the basketball calendar, serving as a platform for prospective players to showcase their skills, athleticism, and potential to NBA scouts and executives. It’s a high-pressure environment where athletes aim to leave a lasting impression to secure a spot in the NBA Draft. For the Duke Blue Devils, one of the most successful and storied programs in college basketball history, receiving an invite to the NBA Combine is a significant achievement. This year, the NBA Combine invited all five of Duke’s starting players, an indication of the exceptional quality and depth the team exhibited throughout the season.
Duke’s five starters—their core players—played a pivotal role in the team’s success, earning recognition not only for their individual talents but for how well they meshed together on the court. These athletes were among the top performers in the NCAA, and their inclusion in the NBA Combine highlights not only their personal achievements but also the strength of the Blue Devils’ program under coach Jon Scheyer. The fact that all five starters received invites speaks volumes about the caliber of players Duke continues to produce and the program’s ability to develop young talent. This article will delve into the individual performances of each player, their strengths, and what their potential entry into the NBA means for both the Blue Devils and the NBA landscape as a whole.
The Duke Basketball Legacy
Before exploring the players themselves, it’s essential to understand the broader context of Duke’s basketball legacy. Duke University’s basketball program, under the leadership of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, has long been synonymous with excellence. Coach K’s tenure saw the program become one of the most dominant forces in college basketball, with five NCAA championships, 15 Final Fours, and numerous players who have gone on to successful NBA careers. From players like Grant Hill, Kyrie Irving, Zion Williamson, and RJ Barrett to the likes of Christian Laettner, the Blue Devils have produced some of the most recognizable names in basketball.
Even with Coach K’s retirement after the 2021-2022 season, Duke’s basketball program continued to maintain its position as one of the premier destinations for elite high school talent. Under the guidance of Jon Scheyer, who took over as head coach, Duke’s recruiting strategy remained as strong as ever, attracting top-tier prospects. The fact that all five starters from this year’s team received invites to the NBA Combine shows that Duke continues to attract high-level talent and develop players who are ready for the next step in their careers.
The 2024 Duke Blue Devils and Their NBA Combine Invitees
The 2024 season for Duke was one of renewal, with a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers. The team’s depth and cohesion were crucial factors in their success, and it’s clear that the collective effort was greater than the sum of its parts. But when it comes to individual talent, the five starters stood out for their skills, basketball IQ, and adaptability.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the five Duke players who received invites to the NBA Combine in 2024:
- Kyle Filipowski – Forward/Center
Kyle Filipowski had an outstanding season, establishing himself as one of the most versatile and dynamic players in college basketball. A highly skilled big man, Filipowski’s combination of size, mobility, and skill set made him an intriguing prospect for NBA scouts. At 7 feet tall, he has a rare ability to stretch the floor with his shooting touch, while also being a force on the glass and in the paint. His scoring versatility allowed him to impact the game in multiple ways, whether as a post-up threat, a mid-range shooter, or a floor spacer from beyond the arc.
Filipowski’s strong performances during the season, particularly his ability to step out and shoot three-pointers with confidence, make him a highly sought-after player for the NBA. In the NBA Combine, Filipowski will be evaluated not only for his physical attributes but for how his skill set translates to the next level. His agility and ability to guard multiple positions will be key aspects to watch. If he can improve his consistency on defense and continue to refine his overall game, he could make an immediate impact in the NBA.
- Tyrese Proctor – Guard
Tyrese Proctor was one of the standout freshmen for Duke in 2024, and his evolution as a player throughout the season was impressive. A guard with great size and vision, Proctor demonstrated the ability to control the game as a playmaker while also showing his scoring chops when necessary. His ability to create opportunities for his teammates and make high-IQ decisions on the floor makes him an intriguing prospect for NBA teams. Proctor’s basketball IQ and court awareness are what set him apart from other guards, as he possesses the rare ability to make everyone around him better.
Defensively, Proctor showed promise, especially with his ability to disrupt passing lanes and guard opposing point guards. His blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ make him a potential dual-threat guard at the next level. If he can prove his consistency as a shooter and continue to refine his decision-making, Proctor could emerge as a future starting point guard in the NBA.
- Mark Mitchell – Forward
Mark Mitchell, another standout freshman, demonstrated why he earned a spot at the NBA Combine with his well-rounded game. A versatile forward who can guard multiple positions, Mitchell’s length, athleticism, and defensive prowess stood out throughout the season. He is an explosive athlete with the ability to finish at the rim and defend at a high level, which makes him an appealing prospect for NBA teams looking for a versatile forward who can contribute on both ends of the floor.
While his offensive game still has room for improvement, Mitchell’s potential as a defensive stopper and transition player cannot be ignored. His ability to guard opposing wings and forwards, while also being an efficient scorer in transition, makes him a valuable asset for any team looking to improve their defense and overall athleticism. Mitchell’s growth during the combine will be crucial, as NBA teams will be looking for his ability to refine his jump shot and make a greater impact offensively.
- Jaden Schutt – Guard
Jaden Schutt is known for his excellent shooting ability and scoring prowess. As a sharp-shooter, Schutt’s ability to stretch the floor and knock down three-pointers with efficiency makes him a perfect fit for the modern NBA, where spacing and shooting are highly valued. Schutt’s shooting touch is exceptional, and he showed time and again that he can be a major threat from beyond the arc.
Though his defense and playmaking still need improvement, Schutt’s scoring ability is what places him on the radar of NBA scouts. If he can prove he can defend at a higher level and become more of a playmaker for others, Schutt could carve out a role as a 3-and-D specialist in the NBA. His shooting potential alone will attract attention, but it’s his ability to adapt and expand his game that could determine his NBA future.
- Jacob Grandison – Guard/Forward
Jacob Grandison, a graduate transfer, provided a wealth of experience for Duke in 2024. A versatile wing, Grandison was an excellent shooter, particularly from deep, and his leadership on the court was invaluable. His ability to spread the floor and hit timely shots made him a key contributor to Duke’s success during the season. While not the most explosive athlete, Grandison’s basketball IQ, shooting ability, and leadership make him an attractive option for NBA teams looking for experienced wings who can provide instant offense off the bench.
His shot-making ability is his most marketable skill, but if he can continue to develop his defense and prove that he can handle the physicality of the NBA, Grandison could find a role as a reliable shooter and floor spacer at the next level. His experience and ability to play multiple positions make him a valuable asset to any team in need of depth and shooting.
Team Depth and Development: The Duke Way
The success of the 2024 Duke Blue Devils cannot be attributed solely to the individual talents of the five players invited to the NBA Combine. Coach Jon Scheyer, in his second year as the head coach, displayed an impressive ability to develop talent and foster a cohesive team environment. The Blue Devils’ system is designed to highlight the strengths of their players while also encouraging growth in areas that need improvement. This combination of individual development and team-oriented play has allowed Duke to continue its success and produce NBA-caliber players year after year.
The program’s emphasis on individual development, skill enhancement, and team cohesion helped to elevate these five players to the next level. Their success in the NBA Combine is not just a reflection of their raw talent but also of the work that has been done behind the scenes at Duke to hone their skills and prepare them for the challenges of the professional game.
The NBA Combine invite for all five of Duke’s starting players in 2024 serves as a testament to the team’s depth, talent, and the strong foundation built by coach Jon Scheyer. Each of these players brings something unique to the table, and their ability to earn invites to the combine shows that they are ready for the next step in their basketball careers. Duke continues to produce NBA-caliber talent year after year, and the success of these players at the combine could set the stage for a new generation of Blue Devils to make their mark in the NBA.
The NBA Combine will provide each of these players with an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of NBA scouts, general managers, and executives, all of whom will be watching closely to see how these young talents measure up against the best in the world. It’s clear that Duke’s commitment to developing well-rounded, skilled players is paying off, and these five athletes are a prime example of the program’s continued excellence. Whether they go on to have successful NBA careers or continue to develop in other professional leagues, their journey to the NBA Combine is a testament to their hard work, talent, and the rich legacy of Duke basketball.
