The journey from Durham, North Carolina, to the NBA continues to be fruitful, with Cooper Flagg projected to be the first overall pick for the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. This moment will not only be a significant milestone for Flagg but will also extend Duke’s remarkable streak of first-round selections to 12 consecutive years. It marks the 14th time in 15 drafts that a Blue Devil has been called on opening night.
Flagg won’t be the only Duke athlete to hear his name early in the draft. Kon Knueppel is expected to be selected in the top five, and Khaman Maluach is projected to go in the lottery, highlighting Duke’s continued success in producing NBA talent. Yet, with this exodus of talent, Duke faces the challenge of replacing substantial contributions from last season.
Taking over Flagg’s leadership role will be Cameron Boozer, a 6’9″ freshman and top-three recruit, who is the son of Duke legend Carlos Boozer. While not a direct substitute for Flagg, Boozer possesses excellent skills, including refined footwork and strong instincts—qualities that are essential in leading Duke’s revamped frontcourt.
Additionally, Duke will need to fill the void left by Maluach, who played a critical role as a freshman by averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. The 6’11” sophomore Patrick Ngongba II will step into this position. Last season, he demonstrated his potential in limited minutes, averaging 3.9 points and 2.7 rebounds while maintaining impressive shooting efficiency. With more court time, Ngongba could prove to be a formidable presence in the paint.
To replace the contributions of Kon Knueppel, who served as a key outside threat last season, incoming freshman Dame Sarr will take on the challenge. Sarr, a 6’6″ guard from Italy, gained valuable international experience with FC Barcelona and showcased his talent by scoring 17 points at the Nike Hoop Summit. His solid shooting percentage, coupled with professional experience, positions him as a vital piece for Duke’s perimeter offense.
As the Blue Devils prepare for the 2025-2026 season, a new era begins. The departure of Flagg, Maluach, and Knueppel places the onus of success on the shoulders of young talent like Boozer, Ngongba, and Sarr. While the road ahead presents uncertainties, it also offers a wealth of opportunity for this new core to step up and define their legacy in Duke basketball.
The transition period could ultimately lead to exciting developments for the program, ensuring that Duke remains a powerhouse in college basketball, fostering the growth of future NBA stars.