Former Duke Blue Devils star Cooper Flagg is universally pegged as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to the Dallas Mavericks. His chances of being drafted by Dallas appear so likely that, unlike most draft prospects, Flagg has not scheduled any visits or workouts with teams other than the Mavericks.
Flagg, Duke’s centerpiece this past season, led the team as a freshman with averages of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, earning a historic sweep of ACC Player of the Year, ACC Rookie of the Year, and National Player of the Year honors.
The Blue Devils finished with a 35‑4 record (19‑1 ACC) and earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament before falling in the Final Four. While Flagg played a crucial role in Duke’s success, fellow freshman wing Kon Knueppel was nearly as important. He averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game, shooting 47.9% from the field and 40.6% from three. Knueppel also earned ACC Tournament MVP honors.
Duke Blue Devils Cooper Flagg (2) and Kon Knueppel (7)
Duke Blue Devils Cooper Flagg (2) and Kon Knueppel (7)
Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images
Knueppel’s strong showing at the draft combine in May further boosted his stock, and ESPN currently projects him to be selected No. 4 overall by the Charlotte Hornets.
In an interview with USA Today Sports' For the Win, Knueppel shared the following when asked what people might not know about Flagg.
"He doesn’t turn it off," Knueppel said. "I think that’s one of the best compliments I can give. I know people see it in the games. He plays every play. Guys of his caliber don’t usually play every play like he does. But he does it in practice, too. I remember the first time we played pickup together in the summer, I was on his team. We won a bunch of games in a row. Then he switched teams and they won a bunch of games. It’s rare for guys that can do that. So it was cool to be around."
Knueppel added what Flagg is like outside of basketball.
"Off the court, he’s a great guy," Knueppel continued. "You wouldn’t know he’s a good basketball player. He doesn’t carry himself in that way like he’s all that. He’s just a humble dude who loves basketball and wants to get better."
Both players have been invited to attend the 2025 NBA draft in New York on June 26 and sit in the green room, where they will likely hear their name early.