In just under 50 days, Duke basketball’s Cooper Flagg will likely be walking across a stage at Barclays Center in Brooklyn as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The draft lottery is May 12 in Chicago, where the NBA is hosting its G League Elite Camp and combine before shifting the focus back to the conference semifinals of the playoffs. The Utah Jazz, Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards each have a 14% chance to land the top pick, followed by the New Orleans Pelicans (12.5%), Philadelphia 76ers (10.5%) and Brooklyn Nets (9%).
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Flagg, along with freshmen teammates Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach, are projected locks to be selected within the first 10 picks of the draft on June 25. But these next few days in Chicago could be vital for other Blue Devils and two UNC players as they show off their talent in front of NBA personnel.
Tyrese Proctor, Duke
Coming off the best of his three seasons with the Blue Devils, Proctor showed he’s a proven 3-point shooter and perimeter defender with good size as a 6-foot-6 guard. A projected second-round pick in the draft, Proctor’s work at the combine could move him up draft boards. The Aussie isn’t known for his athleticism, but if he can play well in the 5-on-5 scrimmages, teams will have to pay attention to a player capable of being a capable 3-and-D specialist in the league.
Cedric Coward, Duke
The wild card for the Blue Devils and NBA teams, Coward is among the names being thrown around as possible surprise picks in the first round of the draft. If that holds, the 6-foot-6 wing from Washington State would be wise to keep his name in the draft and pursue a professional opportunity. A shoulder injury after six games last season moved him to the back burner on the list of first-round prospects, but Coward’s frame and skill set will command attention at the combine. If he plays up to his potential in Chicago, the NBA seems like the best path forward for Coward.
Sion James, Duke
As a 6-foot-6, 220-pound guard, James has an NBA-ready body. Currently projected to be a second-round pick, James did a little bit of everything for Duke in his final season as a college basketball player. He’ll have no problem winning over NBA personnel in interviews and his athleticism puts him in a select group. James has a chance to show off his versatility with a good showing in Chicago, which could move him into the early second round.
Drake Powell, UNC
A 6-foot-6 wing and arguably the Tar Heels’ top two-way player last season, Powell has the potential to be a first-round pick as a 19-year-old freshman. The combine offers Powell a chance to improve his draft stock, showing he can step out and continue to make shots from the perimeter while maintaining his standing as a plus defender. Because of his potential, Powell could slide into the first round with a good week at the combine.
RJ Davis, UNC
One of 45 prospects competing in the NBA G League Elite Camp from May 9-11 in Chicago, Davis could earn an invite to the combine. Scoring has never been an issue for the second-leading scorer in UNC history, but his size and defense remain the biggest question marks as it relates to playing in the NBA. Still, he’s getting a shot to show that he can do in front of NBA personnel. If he can make the most of it by showing off that scoring prowess, teams may be more likely to take a chance on Davis.
