Duke University can say that the school has produced the most No. 1 draft picks in NBA history, especially after Cooper Flagg was selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. Flagg is now the sixth Blue Devil to be selected No. 1 overall, and all of them have had a big impact on the league.
Duke has become a known producer of NBA talent, and with six No. 1 picks produced, the Blue Devils now have produced twice more than the team with the second-most No. 1 picks, Kentucky, which has three. Here are all six No. 1 picks from Duke:
The Six Duke No. 1 NBA Draft Picks
Duke has the most No.1 overall picks in NBA history 🔥
🔹Cooper Flagg (Mavericks 2025)
🔹Paolo Banchero (Magic 2022)
🔹Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers 2011)
🔹Zion Williamson (Pelicans 2019)
🔹Elton Brand (Bulls 1999)
🔹Art Heyman (Knicks 1963) pic.twitter.com/jt6szqROZq— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) June 26, 2025
Art Heyman (Knicks, 1963)
In 1973, Art Heyman would become the first Duke player to ever be selected as the No. 1 overall pick. While he would be more known to be an ABA player, winning the ABA title with the Pittsburgh Pipers in 1968, he was a standout rookie in the NBA, being selected for the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Elton Brand (Bulls, 1999)
A two-time NBA All-Star, Elkton Brand now serves as the general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers. He was more known for his time with the LA Clippers, playing his best years there. However, injuries plagued him most of his career, but he was still a solid player nonetheless.
Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers, 2011)
One of the most clutch players in NBA history, he helped LeBron James give the Cleveland Cavaliers their first NBA championship. A multiple-time All-Star, the Duke alum is widely considered one of the best. He will now be mentoring his Duke junior, Cooper Flagg, as part of the NBA’s old guard.
Zion Williamson (Pelicans, 2019)
While injuries and off-court controversies have been plaguing the Pelicans star, Zion Williamson has had a big impact on the league, as he can be dominant when healthy.
Paolo Banchero (Magic, 2022)
Paolo Banchero’s NBA career is still young, but he is already an All-Star. He still has a lot to prove, but he might just be getting there, as he is one of only three players in Magic franchise history to put up at least 30 points and 10 rebounds during a season opener. The others being Shaquille O’Neal and Tracy McGrady.
Cooper Flagg (Mavericks, 2025)
A lot of No. 1 picks have turned out to be duds, and as Flagg still has not played a single game for the Dallas Mavericks, the jury should still be out on him. However, the Mavs are already hyping him up as part of their big three with Irving and Anthony Davis.
Related: Duke Unveils 2025-26 Jersey Numbers: Cam and Cayden Boozer Lead Talent-Filled Lineup
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