Duke's draft delight

This is what being the top pick in the NBA draft looks like. This is joy.

Paolo Banchero opened a historic night for the Duke Blue Devils — and a good one for anyone who bet Banchero would be the No. 1 pick. Plus, it was a good night for those who think college is the preferred NBA route (Shaedon Sharpe and Jaden Hardy didn’t play college and saw their stock drop). But there’s much more to learn about Thursday’s draft, so let’s get to the news.

STARTING FIVE

1. Draft night belongs to Duke

You don’t want to make everything about Duke — but when a top program somehow makes more history, you have to tell the story.

Not only did the Blue Devils get another No. 1 overall draft pick (the most among any program), but five selections overall marked the most in school history, including four in the first 26 picks. Trevor Keels rounded things out at No. 42 overall. Four of them ended up in the Eastern Conference so expect plenty of matchups against one another.

And Duke might be able to match that number a year from now if its four 5-star recruits live up to the hype and if Jeremy Roach has a big year. It’s why Final Four appearances are the expectation in Durham.

2. Jalen Duren can’t avoid the drama

When the former five-star recruit was at Memphis, it was anything but boring. The team’s mid-season skid involved drama on and off the court, but Duren rose above it, averaging 12.0 ppg and 8.0 rpg and winning AAC Freshman of the Year. The big man — possibly the best true center of the draft — ended up being the first one selected at No. 13 by the …

This was peak draft confusion between the two best news-breakers in the NBA. Ultimately, Duren ended up in Detroit, set to play with Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, (selected at No. 5 overall).

It was fun for the rest of us, though. I’m sure Duren is relieved, and there’s a good chance he’ll start on opening night. Well, maybe not.

3. A Big East embarrassment

Just one Big East player got drafted. One. Out of 58 picks.

UConn’s Tyrese Martin went No. 51 to the Golden State Warriors. Meanwhile, former college stars such as Collin Gillespie, Julian Champagnie, Justin Lewis and Aminu Mohammed all ended up as undrafted free agents.

Ever since realignment a decade ago, the Big East has been vying to be viewed as a “Power Six” conference in terms of strength and viability. But with Jay Wright retiring, the league can’t rely on Villanova carrying them. And not only does the Big East need multiple teams to consistently make runs in the NCAA Tournament, but they also need to send more players to the NBA to be more appealing to five-star caliber prospects.

From a way-too-early 2023 draft perspective, Villanova freshman Cam Whitmore and UConn center Adama Sanogo are prospects to watch, along with Ryan Nembhard and Arthur Kaluma of Creighton. One thing’s for sure, though: the Big East can’t do any worse than yesterday.

4. Programs that could rule the 2023 NBA Draft

Duke and Kentucky usually feature multiple draft picks. But who are the other programs to keep an eye on in regards to future NBA pros?

Arkansas Razorbacks

The trio of five-star perimeter prospects (Nick Smith, Anthony Black, Jordan Walsh) all have games that can translate to the NBA level. Smith has top-5 potential as a point guard if things go well. They’ll all be freshmen and have plenty of promise.

Houston Cougars

Five-star forward Jarace Walker captures the eyes of the scouts, but that Cougars backcourt also has potential. A healthy Marcus Sasser could average 20 ppg and rise up the boards, while Tramon Mark is an underrated prospect.

Gonzaga Bulldogs

There isn’t a top-5 draft prospect on the board for Gonzaga like Chet Holmgren or Jalen Suggs, but there are several first-round prospects. Wing Julian Strather would’ve gotten drafted had he come out, and sophomores Hunter Sallis and Nolan Hickman are primed for breakout campaigns. Plus, maybe Drew Timme develops a perimeter shot and gets selected towards the end of the second round.

UCLA Bruins

Five-star prospects Amari Bailey and Adem Bona are projected top-40 picks in 2023, but don’t overlook returning veterans Jaime Jaquez and Tyger Cambell. Jaquez could shine now that Johnny Juzang isn’t around, while Campbell is a true point guard that NBA teams will want.

North Carolina Tar Heels

All-ACC starters Caleb Love and Armando Bacot are back and could see themselves on draft boards. But the best prospects are newcomers: Top-30 freshman forward Jalen Washington, and Northwestern transfer forward Pete Nance. Their games are more “NBA friendly” but it remains to be seen if they’ll have the ball enough to show that.

5. From “impact freshman” to lottery pick?

This week’s Field of 68 rankings features the top-25 impact freshmen players for next season. Thursday was 10-6, featuring all five-star prospects. To keep in line with the topic of the NBA Draft, which of them has the best chance to be a future lottery pick?

Of this group, I would argue that Cam Whitmore is the most likely “one and done.” He’s a 6-7 forward who can play on the perimeter and has the size and shooting play in the NBA.

What also helps is that Whitmore will likely be the Wildcats’ best player, whereas the other four likely will have to take on supportive roles within their respective offenses. The combination of the two sets Whitmore up not only to excel as a college freshman but also in the NBA as well.

TRIVIA TIME

They’re the 1s

Paola Banchero’s selection atop the draft was the fourth time a Duke player went No. 1 overall, the most of any college program. Kentucky is second with three players.

Question: How many schools have had two players drafted No. 1?

Answer at the bottom. If you can name all the schools, DM @MikeMillerF68. Maybe you can take over the weekly trivia.

MORE FROM THE DRAFT

Winners & Losers

Detroit earned plaudits from our NBA Draft crew by adding a potential All-Star in Jaden Ivey and an-NBA ready big man in Jalen Duren, but they were far from the only good moves Thursday night.

… not that it was a good night for everyone. What is Washington doing? But we’ll let our crew break it down. (You can watch the entire show here.)

Have you subscribed to the Field of 68 on YouTube?

THE FAST BREAK

Links as you peruse what NBA prospect suit would fit you best.

• Stony Brook guard Tykei Greene, a 6-4 All-America East second teamer, is in the portal.

• Eastern Kentucky is countersuing the Ohio Valley over its $1 million exit fee.

• Keegan Murray becomes highest-ever NBA Draft pick at No. 4 to Sacramento.

• Five-star 2023 prospect Matas Buzelis is set to annouce a decision soon.

• Class of 2023 big man Blake Buchanan is reportedly down to Gonzaga and Virginia.

• Iowa lands three-star class of 2023 PG Brock Harding.

• Dre Fuller transfers from UCF to Florida Atlantic.

• In one “way-too-early” 2023 mock NBA Draft, Matthew Cleveland of Florida State is the highest ranked returning player, followed by Terquavion Smith of NC State.

• Gardner-Webb’s AD is retiring.

Trivia answer: 17. (Cincinnati, Duquesne, Georgetown, Houston, Indiana, Kansas, Kansas State, LSU, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Purdue, UCLA, UNLV, Utah, UTEP, West Virginia)