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Cooper Flagg Sends Message to Kon Knueppel After NBA Draft Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Apr 16, 2025 3:10 PM ET

The Duke Blue Devils courted one of the best college basketball teams in the nation, led by Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel.

Duke finished the season with a 35-4 record, having won the ACC Tournament title and reached the Final Four.

While they were just seconds away from being able to compete for the national title game, a loss to Houston sent Flagg, Knueppel, and the rest of the Blue Devils home.

After the NCAA Tournament, all eyes turned toward the NBA Draft. While it's clear that Flagg is considered the consensus No. 1 overall pick, Knueppel had a decision to make.

He could have returned to Duke for his second season and likely been the leader for the Blue Devils, but Knueppel couldn't turn down a lottery draft grade.

He recently announced that he would be declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft, saying goodbye to the Duke Blue Devils

Flagg then responded to the news, sending Knueppel a kind note on social media.

"My brother," Flagg said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kon II Knueppel (@kon2knueppel)

Flagg capped off his freshman season with the Duke Blue Devils averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game, leading the team in all three statistical categories.

Knueppel finished his first season at Duke with 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.

The two formed the best freshman duo in the country.

Knueppel and Flagg both committed to Duke as five-star prospects. While Flagg was the No. 1 overall recruit, Knueppel also held a high rating.

The Wisconsin native was ranked as the No. 6 small forward and No. 19 overall player in the nation, per 247Sports.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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