2025 NBA Draft: College & Conference First-Round Picks
- Duke University led all colleges with the most players chosen in the first round of the 2025 NBA draft.
- Flagg's selection marked the sixth time the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has produced the No.
- Illinois and Rutgers each had two players drafted, with the Big Ten accounting for one-third of the first-round selections.Rutgers' Dylan Harper (No. 2) and Ace Bailey (No.
Duke seized the spotlight in the 2025 NBA Draft, dominating college picks with three players landing in the top 10, including overall number one pick, Cooper Flagg. The Big Ten conference flexed its muscle, seeing eight of its players selected in the first round, solidifying its status as a powerhouse. Explore this complete analysis from News Directory 3 of the draft’s key takeaways, including the performances of Rutgers’ Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, and the rise of international talent. Discover what’s next for these rising NBA stars.
Duke Leads College Picks in 2025 NBA Draft first Round
Updated June 26, 2025
Duke University led all colleges with the most players chosen in the first round of the 2025 NBA draft. Three Blue devils, including No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, were selected within the top 10.
Flagg’s selection marked the sixth time the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has produced the No. 1 overall pick in both the NFL and NBA drafts in the same year. Miami quarterback Cam Ward was the top NFL pick by the tennessee Titans in April. Despite Duke’s strong showing, the Big Ten Conference had the most selections in the first 30 picks.
Illinois and Rutgers each had two players drafted, with the Big Ten accounting for one-third of the first-round selections.Rutgers’ Dylan Harper (No. 2) and Ace Bailey (No. 5) were notable picks. However, Rutgers struggled during the 2024-25 season, finishing with a 15-17 record.
The first 11 players drafted played college basketball in 2024-25, highlighting college basketball as a primary source for NBA talent. Several international players were also selected, including three French players picked between 11 and 20.
What’s next
The performance of these draftees in the NBA will be closely watched, as will the impact on their former college teams.