Here’s a thoroughly analytical deep dive—on the unprecedented moment when all five Duke starters were drafted in 2025, marking the first time a program’s full starting lineup was selected in a single NBA Draft. Let’s explore why this is unique, what it says about Duke’s basketball machine, and the profiles and fit of each draftee—then zoom out to historical context, implications for both college and pro landscapes, and what to watch next.
In the 2025 NBA Draft, Duke achieved a first-ever feat: all five of its primary starters were chosen over the two-night event:
- Cooper Flagg – No. 1 overall, Dallas Mavericks
- Kon Knueppel – No. 4 overall, Charlotte Hornets
- Khaman Maluach – No. 10 overall (via trade to Phoenix Suns)
- Sion James – No. 33 overall, Charlotte Hornets
- Tyrese Proctor – No. 49 overall, Cleveland Cavaliers (
This marks the first time in NBA history an entire collegiate starting lineup was drafted in one go. Previous instances of full starting fives entering the draft happened (e.g. 2006 UConn, 2012 Kentucky), but none resulted in all five being selected (si.com).
1. Historical Rarity
- Only two collegiate teams previously had all five starters enter the draft:
- 2006 UConn – all starters drafted (Rudy Gay, et al.)
- 2012 Kentucky – included Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, etc. (si.com)
- But not until 2025 Duke have all five been selected. This breaks new ground for talent concentration and draft impact.
2. Immediate Draft Capital in Starting Roles
- Three first-rounders, including the No. 1 overall pick (Flagg), all fresh starts with immediate roles.
- Unlike previous years when the 4th and 5th starters were second-round or undrafted, James and Proctor went early second round, showing deep perception of talent across the board.
3. Freshman Dominance
- Flagg, Knueppel, and Maluach were all freshmen, drafted in the top 10—replicating Duke’s 2019 freshman-loaded draft success (Zion, RJ, Cam) (bcsnn.com, si.com).
1. Cooper Flagg – #1 Overall, Dallas Mavericks
- Highlights:
- Maine native, second-youngest No. 1 ever (just behind LeBron) (theguardian.com).
- Averaged 19.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.4 SPG & BPG; multiple accolades: ACC ROY, Wooden Award winner (theguardian.com).
- Fits Mavericks’ shifting core, under mentorship from Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, Lively.
- What Sets Him Apart:
- Rare physical and skill versatility—can guard multiple positions.
- High BBIQ, defensive instincts, perimeter and interior impact.
- Evaluation: franchise cornerstone material—close to “generational” in hype.
2. Kon Knueppel – #4, Charlotte Hornets
- Highlights:
- Quiet shooting threat turned highly efficient wing.
- Family-oriented, characterized by poise and basketball IQ; decorated with a visible faith background
- Fit & Projection:
- Hornets need shooting and spacing around LaMelo Ball.
- Early opportunity for burn in Charlotte with less pressure to produce immediately.
3. Khaman Maluach – #10, traded to Phoenix Suns
- Background:
- South Sudan refugee; began playing basketball ~5 years ago; ceiling is sky-high (90minsport.com).
- Defensive anchor, rim protector, rebounder—raw but high upside.
- Fit:
- Phoenix features several Duke bigs; great mentorship exists.
- Timeline: developing—needs seasoning, but physical attributes and story make him an intriguing long-term center.
4. Sion James – #33 (2nd Round), Charlotte Hornets
- Profile:
- A gritty glue guy—high motor, hustle, leadership, defense (dukebasketballreport.com).
- Transfer-born, Bostonian-style mentality; NBA-defined value in being a connector.
- Role Opportunity:
- With Charlotte’s flexible roster, James could carve out a role as backup forward/defender early.
- Might land some G-League seasoning, but teams value his energy.
5. Tyrese Proctor – #49, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Profile:
- Australian guard, pass-first, floor general with offensive savvy, international experience (90minsport.com).
- Draft stock rose early before plateauing; Cleveland views him as high-BBIQ insurance.
- Fit:
- Cavaliers boast a competitive environment, veteran presence (Donovan Mitchell, Ty Jerome).
- Space to learn, role develop behind a veteran core.
Elite Player Development
- Jon Scheyer (in his 3rd year as head coach) has now overseen nine draft picks, including seven in the first two years (dukebasketballreport.com, goduke.com).
- Duke now ranks among top NCAA programs in total picks (114+), with 59 first-rounders historically (bcsnn.com).
- The program’s consistent ability to produce high-end lottery talent (six No.1s, most of any school) reinforces its status as a modern NBA factory (bcsnn.com):
- Art Heyman (1963), Elton Brand (1999), Kyrie Irving (2011), Zion Williamson (2019), Paolo Banchero (2022), Cooper Flagg (2025).
- In 2025, Duke had both top-tier stars and role players drafted, a rare collective outcome.
- The ascent of James and Proctor shows the value of character, leadership, and complementary skill sets in today’s NBA.
- Reinforces Duke’s strength in producing NBA-ready talent across all roster spots, not just stars.
- Recruiting tool: Junior high prospects can see a clear path from Duke to the NBA.
- Suggests a deeper bench-to-pro pipeline, influencing how teams value role players.
- Likely to further inflate draft stock for team-oriented, high-BBIQ college players.
- Dallas, Charlotte, Phoenix, Cleveland added talent with unique backgrounds and proven systems.
- The Hornets, especially, walk away with two Duke draftees—Knueppel and James—cementing a budding mini-contingent from the program.
- Adjustments to NBA level: Even high picks like Flagg will need adaptation—pace, physicality, expectations.
- Development timelines:
- Maluach needs time to transition physically and mentally.
- Second-rounders (James, Proctor) may struggle for immediate court time.
- Fragmented Brotherhood: What worked on the same Duke court now disperses into five different systems, testing their development and durability anew.
- Rookie Summer League & Training Camp Showcases
- Early pre-draft impressions from coaches may shape team rotations.
- Maluach’s Fit in Phoenix
- Will he be stashed, developed, or slotted into minutes sooner than expected?
- James & Knueppel’s Chemistry in Charlotte
- Two Duke products in Hornets uniform—cohesion could speed transition.
- Proctor’s Role in Cleveland
- Can he carve out a rotation spot in a competitive Eastern Conference unit?
- Flagg’s Adjustment in Dallas
- Navigating inside-outside game under high expectations will define his rookie arc.
Duke’s 2025 draft is more than just individual talent—it’s the continuation of the “Brotherhood” brand. Each player’s success enriches the culture and pathways for future recruits. And as they scatter across the NBA, they symbolize Duke’s dual legacy of talent archetypes—star-making and role-molding.
This is basketball history in the making—a flagship moment for Duke, a statement that “any five starters” can be pro-caliber, and a testament to sustained excellence in scouting, coaching, and development. We’ll be watching closely as each of the five steps into the NBA’s next chapter.
