Major Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel Announcement Made Following NBA Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 12:27 PM ET

Wednesday was a monumental night for many prospects in the NBA draft, but two players who stole the spotlight in the top four were former Duke stars Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel. Flagg was selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Mavericks, while his college roommate Knueppel went No. 4 overall to the Charlotte Hornets.

Shortly after Flagg was drafted, he sat down near the stage for an interview with Taylor Rooks on NBA TV. Midway through the conversation, Knueppel’s name was announced — prompting an ecstatic and heartwarming reaction from Flagg, who was visibly thrilled to see his teammate’s dream come true.

"K Dot!! Let’s go! Oh my God! Let’s go!" Flagg shouted cheerfully. "It’s surreal. Kon was my roommate last year, so just to see him have that moment with his family — it’s insane. That really just gave me chills. That was amazing."

Cooper Flagg was HYPE for his @DukeMBB roommate Kon Knueppel going at No. 4 to the @hornets in the #NBADraft

️ @TaylorRooks pic.twitter.com/olllOhuozF
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 26, 2025

Now, with both of their dreams becoming a reality, Flagg and Knueppel teamed up one more time after "Topps Trading Cards" announced and released a dual autograph card featuring both players. The card includes signatures from each of them, with the phrase “The Brotherhood” written beneath their autographs.

The card also highlights that they are just the second Duke duo since 2019 to be drafted in the top five, joining the ranks of Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett.

“JUST IN: Former Duke teammates unite for a one-of-a-kind draft night dual autograph,” Topps posted.

Check it out:

JUST IN: Former Duke teammates unite for a one-of-a-kind draft night dual autograph. pic.twitter.com/m7IbgDQ9M6
— Topps (@Topps) June 26, 2025

Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel formed one of the best freshman duos in college basketball, helping lead Duke to 35 wins, ACC regular season and conference tournament titles, and a Final Four appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, while Knueppel contributed 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. Flagg now joins a proven Mavericks team, while Knueppel heads to a young Hornets roster led by LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.

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

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