The 2027 NBA Draft is still over eight months away, but three members of Duke’s talent-stacked 2026-27 squad are already popping up among the top 17 in CBS Sports’ Adam Finkelstein’s latest first round mock. This is a big deal, especially since the Jon Scheyer era has seen Duke produce two or more NBA Draft picks every year. Only once, back in 2025, did three Blue Devils go in the first round with Cooper Flagg at No. 1, Kon Knueppel at No. 4, and Khaman Maluach at No. 10. Could 2027 match that? Finkelstein’s mock has no other ACC players ranked higher than even the lowest projected Duke pick, which is just insane.
Two Blue Devils Already Lottery Bound
Leading the charge for the Blue Devils in Finkelstein’s mock is junior center Patrick Ngongba II, projected at No. 9 overall to the Washington Wizards. This guy has been a force for Duke, helping them to a ridiculous 70-7 record across his first two seasons. Ngongba II, a 6-foot-11, 250-pound beast from Manassas, Va., has been a regular in the rotation both years and was a 28-game starter last season. He put up 10.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Sure, he’s missed a few games each season due to injury, but when he’s on the court, he’s making a difference.
Right behind him at No. 13 to the San Antonio Spurs is sophomore wing Dame Sarr. Finkelstein calls Sarr a “defensive standout with good wing size and athleticism,” and you can see why. The 6-foot-8, 200-pound Italian started in 30 of Duke’s 38 games as a freshman last season, averaging 6.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.0 steals. His three-point shot was only 32% and free throws were 53% as a freshman, but there’s a ton of optimism he can develop into a “reliable standstill floor-spacer” and fit that coveted 3-and-D mold. If he can tighten up that shot, watch out!
The New Lottery Landscape and a Fresh Face
Here’s an interesting wrinkle: the 2027 NBA Draft is going to be the first year with the league’s lottery reform, which is designed to curb tanking. That means we’re going from 14 to 16 lottery picks. So, with that in mind, the third Duke talent in Finkelstein’s first round mock, freshman forward Cameron Williams, comes in at No. 17 overall, just outside that expanded lottery range. Williams arrived in Durham this summer ranked No. 4 overall and No. 1 among power forwards on the 247Sports 2026 Composite. He’s clearly got the talent, even if he was a bit limited in the Blue-White scrimmage and the 102-62 win over Belmont due to missing practice with an illness.
It’s super early, but having three guys already in the first round conversation, with two of them firmly in the lottery, shows just how much talent Jon Scheyer is pulling in. Will Duke match or even exceed that 2025 draft class? We’ve got a long season ahead, and eight months until the draft, but this is a fantastic start to the buzz!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply