Latest ESPN NBA Draft Big Board Includes Three Duke Blue Devils in the Top 10: A New Era of Talent in Durham

The Duke Blue Devils have long been a powerhouse in college basketball, a program synonymous with producing NBA talent year after year. From the days of Coach K’s reign to the current leadership of Jon Scheyer, Duke has continued to be a pipeline for elite basketball prospects destined for the professional ranks. As the 2024-2025 NCAA season rolls into its final stretch, Duke’s legacy of developing NBA-caliber players remains as strong as ever. The latest ESPN NBA Draft Big Board, released as part of the annual countdown to the NBA Draft, has brought even more attention to the Blue Devils’ ongoing dominance on the recruiting trail, with three players currently projected to be top-10 picks.

In a development that has sent ripples through both the college and professional basketball worlds, three Duke players—two freshmen and one returning player—have made their mark on ESPN’s prestigious list of top NBA prospects. This remarkable feat highlights not only the talent of the individual players but also the continued excellence of the Duke basketball program. These players have been integral to the Blue Devils’ success this season, and their inclusion in the top 10 of the NBA Draft Big Board marks the latest chapter in a storied tradition of players who have gone on to shine in the NBA.

This article will explore the three Blue Devils currently ranked in the top 10 of the ESPN NBA Draft Big Board, break down their individual skill sets, and examine how their success fits into the broader narrative of Duke’s basketball program and its ongoing legacy of NBA talent development.

The Three Blue Devils on ESPN’s Top 10 Draft Big Board

As of the latest ESPN NBA Draft Big Board, Duke has seen three of its players occupy spots in the coveted top-10 rankings, a testament to the program’s ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent. These players are expected to be among the first names called on draft night, and their performances throughout the 2024-2025 NCAA season have only solidified their status as future NBA stars. Let’s take a closer look at these three standout Blue Devils:

1. Cooper Flagg – No. 2 Overall
2. Jaden Schutt – No. 6 Overall
3. Kyle Filipowski – No. 9 Overall

1. Cooper Flagg – No. 2 Overall: A Generational Talent

Arguably the most highly anticipated prospect in recent memory, Cooper Flagg has been a basketball sensation since his early days in high school. The 6’9″ forward from Maine has been widely regarded as a generational talent, with a skill set that is rare for a player of his age. Flagg’s journey to the top of the NBA Draft Big Board began long before he ever set foot on Duke’s campus. By the time he committed to Duke, Flagg was already considered one of the top recruits in the 2024 class, and his freshman season with the Blue Devils has only solidified his place among the very best.

Flagg’s ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor is what sets him apart from many of his peers. His defensive versatility is perhaps his most outstanding trait, as he can guard multiple positions with ease. His shot-blocking ability is elite, and his basketball IQ allows him to anticipate plays and disrupt offensive sets with remarkable consistency. On the offensive end, Flagg has developed into a multi-dimensional scorer. He has a smooth jump shot, and his ability to finish around the rim makes him a nightmare for defenders. His size, combined with his agility and ability to handle the ball, allows him to operate both inside and out.

In his freshman season, Flagg quickly became the focal point of Duke’s offense. His leadership on and off the court has earned him praise from both coaches and teammates, and he has shown the ability to elevate his game in big moments. NBA scouts have been particularly impressed by his poise and maturity, which are rare traits for a player so young. While his offensive game continues to evolve, Flagg’s defense remains his calling card, and it is this all-around ability that has propelled him to the No. 2 spot on ESPN’s Big Board.

2. Jaden Schutt – No. 6 Overall: A Sharp-Shooting Guard with Limitless Potential

The second Duke player featured in the top 10 is Jaden Schutt, a dynamic guard whose three-point shooting ability has taken the college basketball world by storm. Schutt, a 6’5″ shooting guard, has proven to be one of the most electrifying players in the 2024-2025 season, and his performance has earned him a top-10 spot on ESPN’s NBA Draft Big Board.

Schutt’s greatest strength is his shooting. He has one of the purest jump shots in the country, with a smooth release and deep range that extends well beyond the three-point line. His ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots with consistency has made him a constant threat on offense, and Duke has relied heavily on his scoring ability throughout the season. But Schutt is far more than just a shooter—he is an exceptional playmaker who can create his own shot off the dribble. His ball-handling ability allows him to navigate around defenders, and he has shown the ability to finish at the rim despite not being the most physically imposing guard.

Defensively, Schutt has made significant strides since arriving at Duke. While he was initially known as more of an offensive player, Schutt has developed into a solid on-ball defender, using his length and quickness to stay in front of opposing guards. His ability to defend at multiple levels has made him a more complete player, and scouts are starting to notice his two-way potential. Schutt’s growth as a player has been impressive, and it is clear that he has the potential to be a star at the next level.

As a result of his shooting ability, scoring consistency, and improved defense, Schutt has become one of the most exciting players in the 2024 class. His ability to space the floor and contribute in a variety of ways has made him a perfect fit for the modern NBA, where shooting and versatility are highly valued. He has already drawn comparisons to some of the league’s best shooting guards, and if he continues to develop his game at Duke, he could be a major contributor in the NBA very soon.

3. Kyle Filipowski – No. 9 Overall: A Versatile Big Man Ready for the Next Level

The third Blue Devil to make the top 10 of ESPN’s NBA Draft Big Board is Kyle Filipowski, a 7’0″ forward/center who has been a consistent force for Duke throughout the 2024-2025 season. Filipowski’s combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ has made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the upcoming draft.

Filipowski’s ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor is what sets him apart. Offensively, he is a versatile player who can operate in the post, stretch the floor with his shooting, and create opportunities for his teammates. His size and strength allow him to dominate in the paint, and his touch around the rim is impressive for a player of his stature. He has also shown the ability to knock down mid-range jumpers and has even developed a respectable three-point shot, making him a potential stretch big in the NBA.

Defensively, Filipowski’s size and mobility make him a valuable asset. He has the ability to protect the rim, and his quickness allows him to switch on pick-and-rolls and guard smaller players effectively. His rebounding ability is another area where he excels, as he is consistently one of the best in the country at securing boards on both ends of the floor. While Filipowski’s athleticism has been questioned at times, his work ethic and basketball IQ have helped him overcome any limitations in that regard.

Filipowski’s development at Duke has been impressive, and he has proven that he is ready for the next level. His versatility, combined with his skill set, makes him an ideal fit for the NBA, where big men who can shoot and defend are in high demand. If Filipowski continues to refine his game, he could quickly become one of the best young big men in the league.

Duke’s Legacy of NBA Talent: What These Rankings Mean

The inclusion of three Duke players in the top 10 of ESPN’s NBA Draft Big Board further solidifies the program’s reputation as one of the top feeders into the NBA. Duke has long been a breeding ground for elite talent, with players like Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, and Brandon Ingram making immediate impacts in the NBA. The fact that Duke continues to produce top-tier draft prospects year after year is a testament to the program’s ability to identify, recruit, and develop talent at the highest level.

For Jon Scheyer, this is just the beginning of what promises to be a successful tenure as Duke’s head coach. Scheyer has already proven that he is capable of maintaining Duke’s standard of excellence, and with players like Flagg, Schutt, and Filipowski leading the charge, the future of Duke basketball looks incredibly bright.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Duke and Its Top NBA Prospects?

As the 2024-2025 NCAA season nears its conclusion, all eyes will be on Duke’s trio of top-10 draft prospects. These players will continue to play pivotal roles for the Blue Devils, and their performances in the NCAA Tournament will only add to their draft stock. For Flagg, Schutt, and Filipowski, the next few months will be crucial in determining their futures, as they look to prove they are ready for the challenges of the NBA.

Duke’s three top-10 prospects represent the next wave of talent coming out of Durham, and their success on the court will continue to elevate the Blue Devils’ legacy as one of the most successful programs in the history of college basketball. With three players expected to go high in the draft, it’s clear that Duke is not only a destination for elite prospects but also a stepping stone to NBA success.

As the countdown to the 2025 NBA Draft continues, Duke’s program remains at the forefront of college basketball, and these three players will be at the center of that conversation, ready to make their mark at the next level.