Another One Confirmed: Duke’s Elijah “EJ” Carter Declares for 2025 NBA Draft
By Marcus Whitfield | April 17, 2025
DURHAM, N.C. — The exodus from Durham continues.
Elijah “EJ” Carter, Duke’s electrifying sophomore guard, officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft late Wednesday night, becoming the fourth Blue Devil to forgo remaining college eligibility this offseason. The 6-foot-5 combo guard from Charlotte made his announcement via social media, accompanied by a heartfelt video message thanking Duke fans, coaches, and teammates.
“Duke will always be home,” Carter said in the video. “This has been the most unforgettable two years of my life. After many conversations with my family and Coach Scheyer, I’ve decided to pursue my dream and declare for the NBA Draft.”
Carter’s departure doesn’t come as a surprise to those close to the program. After a standout sophomore season in which he averaged 17.8 points, 5.2 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, Carter had long been considered a first-round lock. His performance in March solidified his draft stock, particularly his 31-point explosion against Kentucky in the Sweet 16, where he carried Duke on his back and put scouts on high alert.
“Elijah’s growth this year was incredible,” head coach Jon Scheyer said in a statement. “Not only did he elevate his game, but he became a true leader in our locker room. The NBA is getting a relentless competitor and a special young man.”
Often compared to a young Jrue Holiday for his defensive tenacity and court vision, Carter turned heads throughout the season with his ability to create space, finish through contact, and set the tempo. NBA scouts have praised his poise, two-way versatility, and physical maturity for a 20-year-old.
While Carter’s name has been buzzing in NBA circles since his high school days at Oak Hill Academy, where he was a five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, his time at Duke has been transformative. His freshman year saw flashes of brilliance, including a game-winning buzzer-beater against Virginia Tech, but it was his sophomore campaign where he truly emerged as Duke’s alpha.
“He just took over this year,” said teammate Jalen Wooten, who is also mulling a jump to the pros. “He was our heartbeat. When EJ was on, we were unbeatable.”
Carter becomes the fourth Duke player to declare for the 2025 draft, joining senior forward KJ Robinson, freshman wing Dante Miles, and junior big man Malik Boone. The Blue Devils are staring down another major roster overhaul, a familiar scene in the one-and-done era.
Still, Scheyer has reloaded quickly. Duke’s 2025 recruiting class ranks second nationally and includes four five-star prospects, headlined by 6-foot-8 forward Tyrese Wallace and sharpshooting guard Jaden Knox. While losing Carter will hurt, the program remains positioned to compete nationally.
For Carter, the next few weeks will be crucial. He’s expected to sign with Excel Sports Management and begin training in Los Angeles ahead of the NBA Draft Combine in May. Most mock drafts have him projected between the 12th and 18th pick, though a strong combine performance could see him sneak into the lottery.
“Every kid dreams of this moment,” Carter said at the end of his video, eyes misty with emotion. “It’s scary, exciting, and humbling. But I’m ready. Thank you, Duke. Thank you for believing in me.”
As Duke fans process another star player moving on, they do so with the pride of knowing they helped mold yet another young man for the highest level. Elijah Carter leaves Durham a fan favorite—and quite possibly, the next Blue Devil to shine on NBA hardwood.
—
Want it to be more dramatic, humorous, or focused on a specific NBA team he might land with?
