Kon Knueppel Recalls Eye-Opening First Pickup Game with Cooper Flagg at Duke
As the 2025 NBA Draft draws closer, one name continues to dominate headlines — Cooper Flagg. The Duke superstar and projected No. 1 overall pick has captivated fans, scouts, and analysts alike with his jaw-dropping athleticism, basketball IQ, and ability to change games on both ends of the floor. Most mock drafts have already penciled him in as the future face of the Dallas Mavericks.
But while Flagg’s draft stock is sky-high, another name from the Blue Devils locker room is climbing fast: Kon Knueppel, a highly skilled 6-foot-7 wing out of Wisconsin. Projected to land comfortably in the top 10, Knueppel isn’t just building his own NBA résumé — he’s also helping fans and evaluators understand just how special Flagg truly is.
In a recent interview with USA Today Sports, Knueppel shared a vivid memory from one of their earliest pickup games together on campus — a moment that made it clear just how dominant Flagg could be in live action.
“I remember the first time we played pickup together in the summer,” Knueppel said. “I was on his team, and we won many games in a row. Then he switched teams with another guy. And they kept winning. Like, it’s rare for guys that can do that, so it was cool to be around.”
That subtle but powerful moment painted a bigger picture: Cooper Flagg doesn’t just play the game — he elevates it.
Two-on-Two, One Constant Winner
What made this memory stand out was the context. This wasn’t a full team scrimmage or a structured workout. It was raw, unfiltered basketball — two-on-two games where skill, instinct, and competitiveness are on full display. According to Knueppel, Flagg wasn’t just the best player on the floor — he was the reason teams were unbeatable, regardless of who was standing next to him.
It’s not the first time Flagg’s pickup game exploits have gone viral. Just last summer, Flagg was part of the USA Select Team that scrimmaged against the senior national team in Las Vegas. Word spread quickly when NBA players began privately — and then publicly — acknowledging how advanced Flagg was for his age. Some even said he was the best player on the floor that day.
Those moments have added fuel to the fire surrounding Flagg’s draft stock. But coming from a fellow top-tier prospect like Knueppel — who is himself poised for NBA success — the praise hits differently.
The Rise of Kon Knueppel
While much of the spotlight shines on Flagg, Knueppel’s draft case continues to gain steam. After a strong freshman season at Duke, he is projected to be a lottery pick, with many mock drafts placing him between No. 4 and No. 10.
Knueppel averaged 14.4 points per game, shot an efficient 47.9% from the field, and knocked down 40.6% of his threes — an elite mark for a first-year wing. At 217 pounds, he brings the size and strength to play either shooting guard or small forward, and his high basketball IQ has earned him praise from coaches and scouts alike.
But perhaps what’s most telling about Knueppel’s future isn’t just his numbers — it’s the level of self-awareness and humility he brings when speaking about teammates like Flagg. In an era where elite prospects often seek to promote themselves, Knueppel’s willingness to shine the light on others reveals the mindset of a future pro ready to contribute to a team dynamic.
Why Flagg and Knueppel Matter for the NBA’s Future
The NBA is always hunting for the next generation of stars — players who not only produce but can shape the future of their franchises. Flagg seems destined to do that from the moment he steps into the league. But Knueppel may be one of the draft’s biggest sleeper stars. His ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and thrive in different roles makes him a plug-and-play option for teams looking to win now.
More importantly, stories like this one — raw, unfiltered, and coming from behind Duke’s closed gym doors — are what build legends. In the coming years, fans may look back on this summer pickup game as the early origin of a rivalry, a friendship, or perhaps the next great NBA duo.
Either way, one thing is clear: Cooper Flagg’s greatness is already resonating with future NBA players, and Kon Knueppel is making sure the world doesn’t forget it.
Stay tuned to Trendysoccernews.com for more insider stories as we approach the 2025 NBA Draft and the next wave of basketball stars prepare to take center stage.
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