As the college basketball community held its breath regarding the status of Duke phenom Cooper Flagg on Thursday, the Duke Blue Devils faced a formidable challenge in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals against Georgia Tech. With a significant left ankle sprain sidelining their star player, who was transported in a wheelchair, the team found themselves trailing by five points at halftime. Despite the worrying situation surrounding Flagg, the Blue Devils had 20 crucial minutes left to play in Charlotte.
In a remarkable display of resilience, freshman Kon Knueppel stepped into the spotlight, scoring a career-high 28 points, including an impressive 22 points in the second half. His outstanding performance powered Duke to a thrilling come-from-behind victory, ending the game with a score of 78-70 against the eighth-seeded Georgia Tech. Knueppel's contributions didn't stop at scoring; he also recorded eight rebounds and five blocks while playing an incredible 38 minutes on the court.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer praised Knueppel’s unique skill set, stating, “For Kon, he plays at a great pace. He has great size, which allows him to score over the top, or pass, and then you surround him with shooting still.” Knueppel’s versatility became even more vital in light of Flagg’s uncertain future, showcasing the depth and talent within the Duke program.
Knueppel, ranked as the No. 19 recruit in the 2024 class, is projected to be a lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. Recent mock drafts, including one from NBA.com, have the Portland Trail Blazers selecting him with the No. 10 pick. While Flagg is widely regarded as the projected No. 1 pick for the 2025 NBA Draft, Knueppel's performance underscores his potential to be a top freshman across the country.
During the game, Knueppel's ability to lead the Blue Devils was evident, especially when they faced a daunting 14-point deficit in the first half. He ignited a pivotal 12-0 run to begin the second half, giving Duke a lead they would maintain until the final buzzer. A crucial three-point play with just under five minutes remaining solidified his impact, extending Duke's lead to 11 points.
Coach Scheyer highlighted the chemistry between Knueppel and fellow freshman Khaman Maluach, referring to their developing "two-man game." He remarked, “Him and Khaman have developed a great two-man game, and I think you saw that tonight.” This dynamic duo put opposing defenses in a tough position, making it challenging for teams to determine their defensive strategies.
As the Blue Devils gear up for their semifinal matchup against North Carolina, the status of Cooper Flagg remains uncertain, with reports indicating he is still a “long shot” to play. However, the fact that he did not suffer a fracture is a positive sign for Duke fans. The onus may once again fall on Knueppel to lead the team as they chase a championship in the ACC Tournament.
