During the 2024-25 men’s college basketball season, former Duke stars Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel developed a strong bond as roommates and teammates. Forming a dynamic scoring duo and defensive pairing under coach Jon Scheyer, they supported each other on the court and led Duke to the 2025 NCAA Tournament Final Four. This foundation continued to shape their trajectories beyond college.
That bond continued when both became first-round picks in the 2025 NBA draft. Flagg, chosen No. 1 overall, went viral when he expressed excitement upon learning that Knueppel was selected by Charlotte three picks later. Although they now play for different teams, their connection endures, with both excelling and earning NBA Rookie of the Month honors for October/November.
Duke Delivers Two-Word Message to Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel After Earning NBA Rookies of the Month
Dallas Mavericks’ rookie phenom Flagg and Charlotte Hornets’ resident sniper Knueppel each produced standout performances at the start of the 2025-26 season. Their strong play began in the third week of October and continued through November. The 6’6″ forward complemented Hornets star LaMelo Ball, shooting 41.3% from three and averaging 18.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. These numbers speak volumes.
Flagg, meanwhile, is helping the Mavs regain their stride after a bad start to the season. He is averaging 16.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 46.2% from the field. He also rewrote history by becoming the youngest player to record 10 or more assists in a game with 11 dimes against the L.A. Lakers and the youngest to score 35 points in a match against the L.A. Clippers.
MORE: Mavericks Rookie Cooper Flagg Earns Huge Honor Alongside Former Duke Teammate Kon Knueppel
The Duke men’s basketball team recognized both players on social media. They posted a 30-second clip of Knueppel’s guesting on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” There, Fallon asked Knueppel about Flagg and their reaction after both won the NBA Rookies of the Month for October/November.
The team wrote a caption that read “The Brotherhood” to congratulate the two. This short message also highlighted the family-like bond between Flagg and Knueppel, even though they play for separate teams. Through this, it becomes clear how the former roommates and teammates continue to pursue their dreams as brothers, even though they are now in individual conferences.
The Brotherhood https://t.co/AOyuZLF6OA
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) December 3, 2025
The former Duke teammates crossed paths for the first time on Oct. 11 in a preseason game that Charlotte won 120-116. Flagg, who scored 11 points against Knueppel, spoke about the matchup and noted playing against his “brother” at the professional level is cool. He’s honored to have this opportunity taking place. Knueppel finished with 12 points in that game.
Both players embraced, and the Newport, Maine, native said he was happy that Knueppel is in a great situation and great spot being with the Hornets as an effective contributor. The Duke Class of 2024 brothers are set to face each other in a regular-season game on January 29, 2026, at American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas, before having a return clash at the Spectrum Center on March 3, 2026.
