The path from Durham, North Carolina to the NBA is still going strong. When Cooper Flagg goes first overall to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, it will be more than just a personal milestone. It will extend Duke’s run of first-round picks to twelve years in a row and mark the 14th time in 15 drafts that a Blue Devil has heard his name called on opening night.
Flagg will not be the only Duke product to hear his name early. Kon Knueppel is expected to be a top-five selection, and Khaman Maluach is projected to go somewhere in the lottery. With all three headed to the NBA, Duke now faces the challenge of replacing some of its most important production from last season.
New Faces Step In to Take on Starters’ Roles
Cooper Flagg leaves behind big shoes to fill. In his lone year at Duke, he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 48.1 percent from the field. His +15.0 box plus-minus ranked as the second-best in all of college basketball this past season. The Maine native was Duke’s leader on and off the floor, setting the tone on both ends.
Now, that responsibility shifts to Cameron Boozer. The 6’9″ freshman arrives as a top-three recruit and the son of Duke legend Carlos Boozer. While not a direct replacement for Flagg, he brings excellent footwork, a polished scoring touch, and strong instincts. Boozer is expected to play a major role in leading Duke’s new-look frontcourt.
’25-26 1st look –> @CameronBoozer12 pic.twitter.com/HRhz5UjBGu
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) June 19, 2025
The Blue Devils will also need someone to step up in place of Khaman Maluach, who anchored the interior all season. He started every game as a freshman, averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks while shooting 71.2 percent from the field. His efficiency and rim presence were key to Duke’s defense and transition game.
Patrick Ngongba II will now take on a larger role down low. The 6’11” sophomore showed flashes last year, averaging 3.9 points and 2.7 rebounds in limited minutes while shooting 71.9 percent from the field. With more time on the court, Ngongba has the chance to become a consistent contributor and anchor the paint.
Patrick Ngongba II will be on the All-ACC teams next season!
Year 2 loading… pic.twitter.com/zn5PHmykJK
— Blue Devils (@BlueDevils) June 1, 2025
On the wing, Duke will turn to incoming freshman Dame Sarr to replace the production left behind by Kon Knueppel. Last season, Knueppel averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 47.9 percent from the floor, 40.6 percent from three-point range, and 91.4 percent from the free-throw line. He was the team’s second-leading scorer and a key outside threat.
Dame Sarr is a key addition for Duke, stepping into an important role as a playmaking 3’n’D wing with Cedric Coward expected to stay in the draft.
He had a breakout performance at the Nike Hoop Summit, posting 17 points making big plays on both ends with his 7-foot wingspan. https://t.co/oG6oUSiotz pic.twitter.com/HszK8ZyTjI
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 22, 2025
Sarr, a 6’6″ guard from Italy, brings valuable professional experience from FC Barcelona. He shot 53.7 percent from the field and 44.8 percent from three-point range in limited action overseas, according to Rivals.com. He also impressed scouts with a 17-point outing at the Nike Hoop Summit. With his size and shooting touch, Sarr has the tools to grow into a key piece on the perimeter for Duke.
A New Era for the Blue Devils in 2025-2026
As Duke turns the page, the program remains rich in talent but enters a season filled with questions and opportunity. With Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, and Kon Knueppel off to the NBA, the spotlight now shifts to a new core. Cameron Boozer, Patrick Ngongba II, and Dame Sarr will be asked to grow quickly and carry the torch.
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