𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Duke’s Star Duo Officially Splits — Cooper Flagg & Kon Knueppel Declare for NBA Draft, Ending a Thrilling Era in Durham
The ride is over. Duke’s powerhouse freshman duo, Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, have officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, bringing a close to one of the most exciting partnerships college basketball has seen in years.
What began as a dream pairing has now come to an emotional end. After leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four and igniting hopes of a national title, both Flagg and Knueppel are taking their talents to the next level. The announcement confirms what fans feared: the breakout stars will no longer share the court in Duke blue.
Flagg, the do-it-all forward hailed as a future NBA superstar, dazzled with his athleticism, elite defense, and clutch performances.
Beside him, Knueppel earned his stripes as a cold-blooded shooter and versatile playmaker, consistently delivering when it mattered most. Together, they were the heart of Duke’s success this season—and a nightmare for opponents.
Now, it’s official: their time in Durham is done.
In his announcement, Knueppel reflected on his journey, saying, “My time at Duke has been incredible. I’m beyond thankful for the coaching staff, my teammates, and the fans. I’m ready to embrace the next challenge in the NBA.”
Flagg also offered a heartfelt farewell, calling his season at Duke “life-changing” and expressing pride in wearing the Blue Devil jersey.
Their departure marks a major turning point for Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, who must now rebuild without two of the most impactful freshmen in the country. The pressure is on to keep the program’s elite status intact, but Flagg and Knueppel’s rise is proof that Durham remains a launchpad for NBA talent.
For fans, the split is bittersweet. While they’ll miss the thrill of watching the duo light up Cameron Indoor Stadium, there’s excitement in knowing both stars are destined for bright futures in the league.
Though Flagg and Knueppel are going their separate ways, their legacy at Duke is secure. In just one season, they reignited the fire in Blue Devil basketball—and now they leave as two of the most memorable one-and-done duos in recent memory.
One era ends, another begins. The NBA awaits.