Duke Does It Again: Three Blue Devils Taken in Top 10 of NBA Draft – Just Like 2019 😈🔥
Lightning has struck twice in Durham.
For the second time in just six years, Duke men’s basketball has sent not one, not two, but three players into the top 10 of the NBA Draft. This time, it’s the trio of Cooper Flagg (No. 1, Dallas Mavericks), Kon Knueppel (No. 4, Charlotte Hornets), and Khaman Maluach (No. 10, Phoenix Suns via Houston) carrying on the torch.
It’s a historic feat that echoes the greatness of 2019, when Zion Williamson (No. 1, New Orleans Pelicans), RJ Barrett (No. 3, New York Knicks), and Cam Reddish (No. 10, Atlanta Hawks) took the league by storm after dominating college basketball under the legendary Mike Krzyzewski.
Now, under the leadership of head coach Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils are proving they haven’t missed a beat.
The Blue Devils’ Big 3
Let’s talk about what made this year’s trio so special:
Cooper Flagg – The No. 1 Pick
The hype around Flagg has been brewing for years — and he didn’t disappoint. From his highlight-reel blocks to his all-around scoring ability, Flagg was the undisputed No. 1 pick throughout the season. He’s drawn comparisons to NBA legends for his poise, IQ, and elite two-way game. The Dallas Mavericks, fresh off the Luka Dončić era, are banking their future on Flagg’s superstardom and with good reason.
Kon Knueppel – The Sharp-Shooting Sniper
At No. 4, the Charlotte Hornets nabbed a versatile wing in Knueppel who can stretch the floor, create his own shot, and defend multiple positions. A modern-day 3-and-D star in the making, Kon made waves all season long with his smooth stroke and basketball IQ. He’s been called one of the most “NBA-ready” players in the class.
Khaman Maluach – The Global Phenom
At 7-foot-2 with an inspiring backstory that took him from a refugee camp in South Sudan to Duke and now to the NBA, Maluach was the heart of college basketball this season. He became a symbol of perseverance and talent and now, he’ll be suiting up for Phoenix with dreams of building something special alongside a younger, more dynamic core.
Jon Scheyer’s Statement to the World
While many questioned whether Scheyer could follow in Coach K’s footsteps, his answer has been loud and clear: Yes. And then some.
He’s now sent six first-rounders in just three years more than Coach K did in his final three seasons. His recruiting, development, and culture-building have laid the groundwork for another dominant Duke era.
The 2024-25 Blue Devils not only made a Final Four run, but they dominated the headlines all season. Now, their efforts are rewarded with three top-10 picks, reminding everyone that Duke is still the gold standard in college basketball.
Echoes of 2019
Back in 2019, Zion, RJ, and Cam were household names before they even played a college game. Their hype was enormous, and they delivered with dazzling plays, wins, and star power. While that team didn’t cut down the nets, they created a blueprint for what modern college stardom looked like and it’s clear Scheyer’s 2025 group studied that blueprint well.
This year’s trio may not have had quite the same viral moments, but they were relentless, unselfish, and built to win. And now, they’re about to bring that same energy to three franchises eager for fresh starts.
Final Thoughts
Duke has done it again and it’s more than just numbers in the draft.
It’s a reminder that Durham remains a pipeline to the pros, a training ground for NBA greatness, and a proving ground where dreams are shaped and realized.
Three players. Ten picks. One message:
Duke’s dynasty is alive and thriving.
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