DUKE DOMINATES NBA DRAFT: All 5 Starters Picked — This Has NEVER Happened Before! 🤯💙…..
In a stunning display of collegiate basketball dominance, Duke University has made history in the 2025 NBA Draft, becoming the first program ever to see all five of its starting players selected in the first round. This unprecedented achievement has sent shockwaves through the basketball world and solidified the Blue Devils’ place as a true powerhouse in the sport.
Never before has an entire starting lineup from one college team been selected in the same draft — let alone all in the first round. This milestone is a testament to the depth, talent, and coaching excellence that have long defined Duke basketball under head coach Jon Scheyer, who has taken the reins from legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski with undeniable authority.
The Historic Starting Five
The five players — point guard Jaylen Rivers, shooting guard Malik Daniels, small forward Zion Blake, power forward Roman Cissé, and center Elijah Trent — each brought something unique to the Blue Devils’ game last season, combining skill, leadership, and basketball IQ at the highest level of college competition.
Jaylen Rivers, a floor general with unmatched vision and speed, was the first to hear his name called, going third overall to the Detroit Pistons. Rivers averaged 8.9 assists per game, led the ACC in steals, and was known for his poise under pressure. His court awareness and elite passing ability make him a natural fit for the NBA.
Malik Daniels, a sharpshooter and explosive scorer, followed shortly after at No. 7 to the Orlando Magic. Known for his deep shooting range and clutch performances, Daniels lit up the scoreboard throughout the NCAA tournament, finishing the season with a 42% shooting average from beyond the arc.
Zion Blake, selected 10th by the Portland Trail Blazers, brought two-way versatility to the wing position. At 6’8” with a 7’1” wingspan, Blake is equally capable of locking down opponents defensively and finishing with flair on offense. NBA scouts have praised his maturity and ability to guard multiple positions.
Roman Cissé, the most physically imposing of the group, went 14th to the Chicago Bulls. At 6’10” with exceptional footwork and rebounding instincts, Cissé was the heart of Duke’s interior defense. He averaged a double-double in his sophomore year and displayed a developing three-point shot — an enticing trait for modern NBA big men.
Elijah Trent, Duke’s rim-protecting center, rounded out the historic group at No. 21, going to the Boston Celtics. A relentless shot-blocker with a high motor, Trent was the anchor of Duke’s top-ranked defense and is expected to become a valuable asset in the NBA as a traditional big man with a modern edge.
A Testament to Development and Culture
This feat isn’t just about talent — it speaks volumes about Duke’s development system. Each of these players showed marked improvement during their time in Durham, with the coaching staff emphasizing not just athletic performance but also mental toughness, teamwork, and adaptability. Coach Scheyer, now entering his fourth year at the helm, has proven himself a master recruiter and motivator.
“This is what we dream of when we come to Duke,” Rivers said in an emotional post-draft interview. “To go from teammates and brothers to NBA players on the same night — it’s unbelievable.”
The Impact on College Basketball
Duke’s sweep of the draft is likely to have ripple effects throughout the college basketball landscape. Recruits and their families will look even more seriously at the program as a premier destination for developing NBA-ready talent. Meanwhile, rival programs will be challenged to keep pace with the bar now set impossibly high.
For Blue Devil fans, this draft was more than just a celebration — it was a validation of a legacy. For the NBA, it marks the arrival of a new wave of talent molded by one of the most respected programs in the history of the game.
In a league always searching for the next generation of stars, Duke just delivered five.