What happens when Duke legends-in-the-making enter the NBA Summer League?
They don’t just play — they TAKE OVER.
From Las Vegas to Salt Lake City, former Blue Devils turned the NBA’s offseason proving ground into a personal highlight reel. Championship trophies, MVP honors, breakout rookie moments — it was a full-blown Blue Devil takeover. Here’s how it went down.
KYLE FILIPOWSKI: MVP ENERGY, UNDENIABLE DOMINANCE
Call him the steal of the draft or the Summer League’s breakout king — either way, Kyle Filipowski was flat-out unstoppable.
Wearing a Utah Jazz uniform, Filipowski torched defenses, averaging 29.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 56% from the floor and nearly 39% from three. His crowning moment? A 35-point, 11-rebound explosion that left the Spurs scrambling.
Result: Summer League MVP.
Statement: He’s ready.
KON KNUEPPEL: FROM TOP PICK TO TITLE HERO
Drafted No. 4 overall, Kon Knueppel didn’t just meet expectations — he shattered them.
In the Las Vegas Summer League championship game, Knueppel dropped 21 points, including a dagger three in the final 30 seconds, to lead the Hornets to their first-ever title. He walked away with Championship Game MVP and the respect of the entire league.
Over his final stretch, he averaged 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists — the kind of balanced stat line that shows he’s more than hype — he’s a winner.
COOPER FLAGG & TYRESE PROCTOR: ROOKIES READY TO STRIKE
You only get two games to make a first impression? Cooper Flagg needed just one.
After a shaky debut, the No. 1 overall pick erupted with 31 points in his second outing, earning a spot on the All–Summer League Second Team. The bounce-back wasn’t just impressive — it was a statement. The hype is real.
Tyrese Proctor made his own noise with the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 17.3 points and capping off the week with a 35-point outburst that had scouts and fans buzzing. Yes, the shot selection needs work — but the confidence and offensive spark are already there.
BLUE DEVIL SUMMER: WHY IT MATTERS
These weren’t just pretty stats on quiet nights — they were pressure moments, and Duke’s finest delivered:
Filipowski is building something special in Utah.
Knueppel is bringing winning culture to Charlotte.
Flagg and Proctor are flashing the upside of future stars.
This isn’t just a strong summer for one or two players. It’s a message from the Duke brotherhood:
The NBA better get ready — because the Blue Devils are just getting started.
