Duke University: A Legacy of Excellence in the NBA Draft
BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The energy at the Barclays Center was electric as Duke University solidified its status as a powerhouse in college basketball during the NBA Draft. Three standout Blue Devils, Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach, were selected in the top 10, with Flagg making history as the No. 1 overall pick for the Dallas Mavericks.
Historic Achievements Unveiled
In a remarkable twist of fate, this draft marked only the second time in history that three freshmen from the same school were chosen within the first 10 picks, making Duke the only school to accomplish this feat twice. The previous trio was from the illustrious 2019 class, featuring Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, and Cam Reddish. The only other university to achieve a similar feat is Florida, which had three top-10 selections in 2007.
Flagg: A Record-Setting Selection
Cooper Flagg, at just 18 years and 186 days old, is the second-youngest player to be drafted first overall, trailing only the legendary LeBron James. With this selection, Flagg becomes Duke’s sixth No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick, a milestone that showcases the Blue Devils’ dominance in producing elite talent.
Jon Scheyer: The Architect Behind The Success
Duke’s head coach, Jon Scheyer, has crafted a remarkable legacy in his short tenure, witnessing seven draft picks in just three years, six of which were first-round selections. Since joining the coaching staff in the 2013-14 season, Duke has produced a staggering 33 draft picks, with 26 being first-round choices.
Duke’s Unmatched Draft Legacy
Duke’s legacy in the NBA Draft doesn’t just end there; the elite program has churned out 114 overall selections since the draft’s inception, establishing itself as one of only four colleges to surpass the centennial mark. In the last decade alone, Duke leads the nation with 28 draft picks.
Duke in the NBA Draft: Quick Facts
- 114 total NBA Draft picks in history.
- 28 draft picks in the past decade, the highest in the nation.
- 59 first-round picks overall, with 26 since Jon Scheyer joined the coaching staff.
- 52 first-round selections during the Lottery era (since 1985), the most in college basketball.
- Six No. 1 overall NBA Draft picks to date, outpacing other schools – Kentucky follows with three.
- At least one player from Duke has been selected in 26 of the last 28 drafts.
- Flagg is the fifth Blue Devil picked by the Mavericks, joining the ranks of players like Jay Bilas and Wendell Moore Jr..
A Reach Beyond Expectations
This incredible success isn’t limited to a few franchises. Duke players have been selected by 29 of the 30 NBA teams, showcasing their widespread influence across the league, with the Toronto Raptors being the sole exception.
Conclusion: Join the Blue Devils Community
As Duke basketball continues to thrive, fans can stay connected and get the latest updates by following the team on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook under "DukeMBB."
#GoDuke
This incredible legacy of talent and achievement promises an exciting future for the Blue Devils, where excellence is not just expected but ingrained in the very fabric of the university’s ethos. Dive into the Duke basketball culture and witness firsthand how this historic program continues to shape the future of the NBA!
