Three Duke Players Selected in the Top 10 of the NBA Draft

For the second time in six years, three Duke players were chosen within the top 10 picks of the NBA Draft. Highlighting this impressive feat were Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach, who all heard their names called early at the Barclays Center.

Flagg, the youngest top pick since LeBron James in 2003, was selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks. The 18-year-old from Maine led Duke in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, and blocks this past season, averaging 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Known for his versatility, Flagg earned the Naismith National Player of the Year award and reclassified into the 2024 recruiting class last August. Before joining Duke, he even competed against Team USA in a scrimmage ahead of last summer’s Olympics.

Knueppel, a 6-foot-5 wing who averaged 14.4 points and 4.7 assists during Duke’s run in the ACC tournament, was picked fourth overall by the Charlotte Hornets. His sharpshooting—40.6% from three-point territory—was a key part of Duke’s success.

Maluach, a 7-foot-1 center originally from South Sudan, was selected 10th overall by the Houston Rockets, who acquired his rights as part of the Kevin Durant trade. Despite starting basketball at age 13, he posted solid stats this season, averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 71.2% from the field.

Flagg’s standout season and top draft position mark him as a significant talent for the future, while Knueppel and Maluach continue to impress as they transition to professional careers. Duke’s recent trio of top-10 picks underscores the school’s continued ability to develop NBA-ready talent.