Top 3 Duke players who were No. 1 picks in the NBA Draft ft. Kyrie Irving 

The Duke Blue Devils are widely viewed as one of the most prestigious programs in college basketball. They consistently produce elite NBA talent, and over the years, have had several No. 1 picks. Throughout history, the Blue Devils have had five players selected with the first pick in the draft.

That number is expected to get to six this year as Cooper Flagg is the unanimously projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft. However, while the Blue Devils have had five players selected first, not all of them have turned into superstars. Here is a look at the top three Duke players to be selected with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft.

Top 3 Duke players who were selected with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft

#1 Kyrie Irving

When looking at the five players from Duke who became No. 1 picks in the NBA draft, it is hard to argue that Kyrie Irving has been the most successful. He was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2011 draft after one season at Duke.

While Irving has turned into a dynamic player in the NBA, he only played 11 games at Duke. He suffered a right big toe injury that kept him out for most of the season until the NCAA tournament.

Irving has gone on to have an incredible NBA career with Cleveland, Boston, Brooklyn and Dallas. He is a nine-time NBA All-Star and helped the Cavaliers win the NBA Championship in 2016.

#2 Elton Brand

Elton Brand never became a Hall of Famer but he still had a strong NBA career that lasted nearly 20 years. He was the first pick in the 1999 NBA draft, starting his pro career after two seasons at Duke.

Brand went on to become a two-time NBA all-star and was even named to the All-NBA Second Team in 2006. He played for Chicago, LA Clippers, Philadelphia, Dallas and Atlanta.

#3 Zion Williamson

Zion Williamson was one of the most hyped NBA draft prospects in recent years. He had an excellent season at Duke before declaring for the 2019 NBA draft and going first to the New Orleans Pelicans.

In five NBA seasons, Williamson has been excellent when available, averaging 24.7 points per game throughout his career. However, injuries have been an issue for him. He has only eclipsed the 60-game mark twice in five seasons, and has played 30 or fewer games in three seasons.

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Edited by Alexander O'Reilly