ESPN LEAKS Duke’s NBA Draft Invasion—5 Names You NEED to Know NOW!
The murmurs have become roars. The conjecture has solidified into reality. Jonathan Givony, ESPN’s NBA Draft expert, has officially revealed the shocking revelation that all Duke basketball fans have been waiting for: *Five* It is anticipated that the Blue Devils will be selected in the 2024 NBA Draft. That is a complete takeover, not just a good performance. This year’s class could be one of the most exciting yet for a program that has traditionally served as a pipeline to the pros. Before the basketball world begins to buzz even louder, here are the five.
Let’s start with the crown jewel of this group: **Kyle Filipowski**. The 7-foot big man could’ve been a first-round pick last year but bet on himself by returning to Durham—and it’s paying off. Filipowski isn’t just a traditional center; he’s a modern NBA cheat code. He can stretch the floor with his shooting, put the ball on the deck like a guard, and protect the rim with his length. Givony has him pegged as a *lottery lock*, and for good reason. Scouts love his versatility, and teams in the 8-14 range are already salivating over his upside. If he lands in the right system, Flip could be a Rookie of the Year dark horse.
Then there’s **Jared McCain**, the freshman guard who went from viral high school mixtape star to Duke’s most reliable bucket-getter. McCain isn’t just a scorer—though his pull-up jumper is *filthy*—he’s also a sneaky-good playmaker and a tenacious defender. At 6’3”, he’s got the size to play either backcourt spot in the NBA, and his basketball IQ is off the charts. Givony has him as a *mid-to-late first-rounder*, but don’t be shocked if a sharp-shooting team like the Lakers or Knicks falls in love and reaches for him earlier.
Next up is **Tyrese Proctor**, the Australian floor general who made a *massive* leap in his sophomore season. Proctor’s game is suited for the modern NBA; he is a true point guard with size (6’5″), a smooth three-ball, and the ability to run an offense without turning it over. His defense has significantly improved, and he has an elite feel for the game. Givony places him in the *20-30 range*, but if he excels in workouts and interviews, a team like the Spurs, who love high-IQ guards, might be able to sign him.
The wild card of the group? **Mark Mitchell**. The 6’9” forward is a defensive Swiss Army knife who can guard four positions, crash the glass, and finish above the rim. His jump shot is still a work in progress, but his athleticism and motor are *undeniable*. In a draft where teams are desperate for versatile wings, Mitchell could be a steal in the *late first or early second round*. If he lands with a developmental squad like OKC or Miami, watch out.
And rounding out the five: **Jeremy Roach**, the senior leader who’s been the heart and soul of Duke’s backcourt. Roach might not have the same draft hype as the others, but he’s a proven winner with clutch genes, a reliable jumper, and the toughness every playoff team craves. Givony sees him as a *second-round gem*—the kind of player who could carve out a 10-year career as a backup guard. Think TJ McConnell with a better three-ball.
So what does this mean for Duke? For starters, it cements Jon Scheyer’s early legacy as a recruiter and developer of NBA talent. Five draft picks in one year would tie the program record (previously set in 1999 and 2022). It also sends a clear message to recruits: *If you want to get to the league, Duke is still the gold standard.*
The worst part, though, is that *this might just be the beginning*. The pipeline is not going to slow down anytime soon, as Duke will have another strong recruiting class the following season. The next wave is therefore already in the wings as these five Blue Devils get poised to dominate the NBA.
There is no doubt that the remainder of collegiate basketball should be *extremely* concerned. Because the entire league is affected when Duke meddle.
