Duke’s Next Wave of NBA Talent: Who Could Shine in the 2026 Draft?
The Duke Blue Devils once again enter the 2025-26 season as one of college basketball’s most talented and intriguing squads. With a tradition of excellence that includes five national championships since 1990 and nearly 20 Final Four appearances, Duke continues to be a powerhouse when it comes to producing NBA-ready players.
Last season, Cooper Flagg led the Blue Devils to the national semifinal, where they fell to Houston. That team was stacked with NBA-caliber talent, as five Blue Devils—Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Khaman Maluach, Sion James, and Tyrese Proctor—all heard their names called in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Even after such significant roster turnover, head coach Jon Scheyer wasted no time reloading with another group of elite prospects. Several players are already generating buzz as likely 2026 NBA Draft selections, headlined by Cameron Boozer.
Boozer, a five-star phenom and the son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, arrives in Durham with sky-high expectations. At 6-foot-9 and 250 pounds, he brings a rare combination of strength, skill, and pedigree. Ranked as the No. 3 overall recruit in the 2025 class and the nation’s top power forward by 247Sports, Boozer is widely projected to be a contender for the No. 1 pick in 2026.
For Duke fans, the excitement is twofold: another deep tournament run and the chance to watch the next generation of NBA stars develop in front of their eyes.
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