Duke University Shines in NBA Draft
In a notable showcase of talent during the NBA Draft, Duke University has once again made headlines by securing three players in the top 10 selections, marking the second occurrence of this feat in a six-year span. During the event held at Barclays Center, standout forward Cooper Flagg led the way as the first pick overall, destined to join the Dallas Mavericks. Following closely, the Charlotte Hornets selected versatile wing Kon Knueppel with the fourth pick, while 7-foot-1 center Khaman Maluach was chosen by the Houston Rockets with the 10th pick, originally acquired in the trade deal involving superstar Kevin Durant and will see Maluach play for the Phoenix Suns.
Historical Context
This latest draft mirrors the 2019 event where Duke’s Zion Williamson was picked first by the New Orleans Pelicans, and his teammates RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish were selected third and tenth, respectively. Notably, this recent achievement by Duke ties into an elite club that includes the 2007 Florida Gators, who also boasted three top-10 selections with notable players like Al Horford and Joakim Noah.
Player Highlights
Flagg, Knueppel, and Maluach are yet another exceptional freshman trio from Duke, following in the footsteps of Williamson, Barrett, and Reddish, all of whom spent just one season at the university. This past team’s journey culminated with reaching the Final Four, demonstrating their solid performance with a conference-leading 19-1 record in the ACC, a feat not achieved since the league adopted a 20-game format. They even succeeded in clinching the ACC Championship despite Flagg suffering an ankle injury early in the tournament.
Flagg, at only 18 years old, not only became the youngest player chosen first overall since LeBron James in 2003 but also achieved a remarkable season, leading the Blue Devils in multiple categories, including scoring with an average of 19.2 points per game, alongside 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists. His rise to prominence came after he reclassified to join the 2024 recruiting class and showcased his skills against top players in scrimmages ahead of the summer Olympics.
Knueppel also had an impressive season, scoring 14.4 points per game and excelling in assists, while Maluach is viewed as a project player due to his late start in the sport, having begun playing basketball at 13. Despite his inexperience, he was impactful, averaging 8.6 points and showing efficiency with a 71.2% shooting percentage.
Duke’s Strong Legacy
Duke, known for developing elite basketball talent, continues to be a pipeline to the NBA, as evidenced by Flagg’s selection as the sixth No. 1 overall pick in their history, reinforcing the university’s prominent position in college basketball.
