Blue Devil Domination? Two Duke Stars Crack NBA Draft’s Top 4 — Is This the Start of a New Duke Dynasty?
DURHAM, NC — The Duke Blue Devils just reminded the basketball world why they’re still a powerhouse for NBA-ready talent.
In a historic showing at this year’s NBA Draft, not one — but two former Duke standouts heard their names called among the top four picks. Cooper Flagg, the highly-touted forward with generational potential, went No. 1 overall, while sharp-shooting wing Kon Knueppel followed closely behind at No. 4.
For a program already synonymous with NBA success, this latest draft class could mark the beginning of yet another Duke basketball dynasty — one that’s as dominant on draft night as it is during March Madness.
🏀 Cooper Flagg: The Future of the NBA?
Flagg’s selection at No. 1 by the Dallas Mavericks didn’t come as a surprise to those who’ve followed his meteoric rise. Hailing from Maine, Flagg captivated college basketball fans with his blend of size, skill, and relentless motor during his lone season at Duke.
Scouts have compared him to a mix of Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum, projecting him as an immediate difference-maker at the NBA level.
“Cooper is the kind of player that only comes around once in a generation,” said one Western Conference executive. “He’s a franchise cornerstone from Day One.”
🎯 Kon Knueppel: The Silent Assassin
While Flagg’s name dominated headlines, fellow Blue Devil Kon Knueppel quietly climbed draft boards all season — and for good reason.
The versatile 6’6” wing showcased elite shooting touch, defensive tenacity, and basketball IQ that impressed NBA decision-makers. The San Antonio Spurs saw enough to take Knueppel with the No. 4 pick, giving the franchise another dynamic young piece alongside Victor Wembanyama.
“He’s a coach’s dream — efficient, unselfish, and he just wins,” said Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, reflecting on Knueppel’s one-and-done campaign.
👀 The Start of a New Duke NBA Era?
Duke is no stranger to sending talent to the NBA, with names like Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Jayson Tatum, and Kyrie Irving all becoming household names at the next level.
But having two Top-4 picks in a single draft is a rarity — even for the Blue Devils. The last time Duke accomplished this feat was in 2019, when Zion Williamson, R.J. Barrett, and Cam Reddish all went in the top 10.
“It speaks to the culture we’ve built,” said Scheyer. “We develop NBA players, period.”
🗣️ What’s Next?
For Flagg and Knueppel, the hard work is just beginning as they embark on their professional journeys. But for Duke, the success signals something larger — a potential return to their perch as the nation’s most dominant NBA talent pipeline.
“When Duke gets rolling, we stay rolling,” said Flagg with a smile on draft night.
The message is clear: The Brotherhood is alive, well, and ready to take over the leag
ue — one lottery pick at a time.
