Duke Could See Two Players in NBA Draft Top 5 as Kon Knueppel Joins Cooper Flagg in New Mock
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, excitement is building around one of college basketball’s most storied programs — Duke University. The Blue Devils have long been a pipeline to the NBA, but this year could be something truly special. Recent mock drafts suggest that Duke won’t just have one top-five pick but potentially two stars heading to the NBA in the first round.
Cooper Flagg, the highly touted freshman and former Duke star, is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft. Most projections peg the Dallas Mavericks as the team to select him, signaling big things ahead for both Flagg and the Mavericks. Flagg’s combination of size, skill, and versatility makes him a dream prospect, and he has consistently impressed scouts and fans alike.
But Flagg might not be the only Blue Devil to hear his name called early on draft night. CBS Sports writer Kyle Boone recently shook up the mock draft landscape by placing fellow Duke freshman Kon Knueppel alongside Flagg in the top five picks. Boone’s projection sends Knueppel, a crowd favorite at Duke, to the Charlotte Hornets with the fourth overall pick.
Knueppel’s rise has been remarkable. While Flagg has garnered most of the national attention, Knueppel quietly helped the Blue Devils maintain their momentum, especially during the ACC Tournament when Flagg was sidelined with an injury. His defensive prowess, basketball IQ, and clutch play have endeared him to the passionate Duke fanbase, affectionately known as the Cameron Crazies.
Boone’s projection doesn’t stop there. He envisions a total of five former Duke players being drafted in the two rounds, a remarkable feat for any single program:
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At No. 12, center Khaman Maluach is slated to go to the Chicago Bulls. The 7-foot-1 freshman averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game during his lone season with the Blue Devils, showing promise as a rim protector and scorer.
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In the second round, junior guard Tyrese Proctor, after three seasons at Duke, is projected as the 40th pick by the Washington Wizards. Proctor’s steady playmaking and scoring ability have been consistent throughout his college career, averaging 10.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.
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Finally, senior small forward Sion James, who spent one season with Duke after transferring from Tulane, is expected to be selected 46th overall by the Orlando Magic. His versatile scoring and veteran presence give him solid draft appeal.
The potential for five Duke players to be drafted underlines the program’s ongoing dominance in college basketball recruiting and development. While Duke has seen many one-and-done stars leave for the NBA in recent years, this draft class shows a mix of youthful potential and experienced talent.
For Duke fans, the presence of Flagg and Knueppel in the top five is particularly exciting. It signals not only a bright future for the players but also cements Duke’s place as a top destination for NBA-ready talent. With a challenging non-conference schedule ahead in the 2025-26 season, these young Blue Devils will have plenty of opportunities to showcase their skills on a national stage before entering the professional ranks.
As the NBA Draft draws near, all eyes will be on how these players perform, develop, and prepare for the next step in their careers. Whether they end up exactly where the mock drafts predict or surprise fans on draft night, one thing is clear: Duke basketball continues to be a force to reckon with, producing elite talent ready to make an impact in the NBA.
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