Former Duke teammates Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks and Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets are preparing for their first professional basketball game against each other. Both players were part of Duke's 2024 recruiting class and were selected as top picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, with Flagg as the number one overall pick and Knueppel as the fourth. Their inaugural NBA matchup follows their collegiate careers and notable performances in their rookie seasons.
NBA Performance and Rookie Status
As of February 24, Kon Knueppel leads the Kia Rookie Ladder. He has made 201 three-pointers in 58 games, which is a record for the fastest pace by any player in NBA history. Knueppel is approaching Keegan Murray's rookie record of 206 three-pointers from the 2022-23 season. He is also noted for his efficiency, potentially becoming the first rookie to achieve 50% field goals, 40% three-pointers, and 90% free throws.
Kon Knueppel leads the Kia Rookie Ladder, setting a record for the fastest pace to 201 three-pointers in NBA history.
Cooper Flagg currently ranks second on the Kia Rookie Ladder. He has missed eight games this season, including four consecutive due to a sprained left foot.
Top Rookie Rankings (Stats through Feb. 24):
- 1. Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets): 19.3 points per game (ppg), 5.4 rebounds per game (rpg), 3.5 assists per game (apg).
- 2. Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks): 20.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 4.1 apg.
- 3. VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers): 15.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 4 apg.
- 4. Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans): 12.2 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 4 apg. Leads rookies in rebounds and assists.
- 5. Maxime Raynaud (Sacramento Kings): 10.1 ppg, 7 rpg, 1.1 apg.
Knueppel is noted for his scoring and three-point shooting. Meanwhile, Flagg leads his team in scoring, rebounds, and assists, also excelling defensively. Flagg has previously expressed enthusiasm about playing with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.
Collegiate Background and Shared History
Flagg and Knueppel were Duke teammates and roommates, part of a top-ranked recruiting class. During a preseason practice at Duke, Kon Knueppel reportedly challenged Cooper Flagg to improve his focus. Duke head coach Jon Scheyer stated that this moment resulted in Flagg's improved performance. Duke General Manager Rachel Baker and Coach Scheyer commented on the positive nature of this interaction among young players.
A pivotal moment at Duke involved Kon Knueppel challenging Cooper Flagg to improve his focus, leading to enhanced performance for Flagg.
During their time at Duke:
- Flagg was nationally recognized, participating in Team USA's pre-Olympic training camp.
- Knueppel gained attention from NBA scouts.
- On the court, Flagg was effective in the lane, while Knueppel was a three-point shooter.
- Knueppel led Duke to an ACC title and earned tournament MVP honors during a period when Flagg was largely sidelined due to an ankle sprain.
Both players were present at the NBA Draft Lottery along with former teammate Khaman Maluach. Flagg's reaction to Knueppel's selection by the Hornets at No. 4 was observed.
Personal Profiles
Flagg and Knueppel share several background similarities, including growing up in cold-weather regions and coming from large families with multiple boys; Flagg has two brothers, and Knueppel is the oldest of five.
Descriptions of their interests during their collegiate years include:
- Cooper Flagg: Enjoyed watching "Suits" and playing golf.
- Kon Knueppel: A sports history enthusiast, decorated his dorm with old Sports Illustrated covers, and listened to "The Bill Simmons Podcast." His knowledge of sports history was acknowledged by Coach Scheyer and Flagg.
Both players were described as grounded individuals who did not prioritize social media. The former roommates maintain a close friendship, speaking regularly about their lives. Coach Scheyer stated that their mutual respect and support are expected to persist regardless of individual accolades.