Kon Knueppel Opens Up: The Only ‘Issue’ Rooming With Cooper Flagg at Duke
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Kon Knueppel, the Charlotte Hornets’ 2025 first-round pick and one‑time roommate of NBA-bound Duke star Cooper Flagg, recently shared a touching and surprisingly candid recollection of their time living together at Duke. In an interview with Taylor Rooks—highlighted by Athlon Sports—Knueppel revealed that Flagg was an ideal roommate in every respect… except when his brothers came over.
“It was great,” Knueppel said of living with Flagg. “The only time he was loud was when his brother Hunter and Ace came over. I came over once and Ace was just chilling in my bed—so the only complaints I’d have are about those guys… I have nothing bad to say about Cooper.”
This revelation makes clear that while Flagg—recently drafted No. 1 overall by the Dallas Mavericks—was thoughtful and low‑key day to day, his family brought a touch of chaos and levity to their dorm life.
Despite dorm drama with visiting siblings, the bond between Knueppel and Flagg remained profound. Their friendship extended well beyond roommate life—both men celebrated each other’s successes with earnest emotion. When Knueppel heard his name called at No. 4 overall by Charlotte, cameras caught Flagg mid‑interview erupting into joyous reaction: he stopped what he was saying, turned around, and shouted “Let’s go!” in full celebration. Knueppel later admitted he got “a little choked up” watching Flagg’s reaction—a moment he called “really special” because “he actually cares for me and wants me to have success.”
Their on‑court chemistry was equally powerful. As freshmen at Duke during the 2024‑25 season, they formed one of college basketball’s most dominant duos: Flagg averaged 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, while Knueppel delivered 14.4 points per night and shot over 40% from deep. Together, they drove Duke to a 35‑4 record, an ACC Tournament title (with Knueppel earning MVP honors), and a Final Four berth.
Knueppel’s ability to step up was on full display when Flagg suffered an ankle injury during the ACC Tournament. Duke rallied behind Knueppel’s career‑high 28 points and 8 assists to beat Georgia Tech, handing him the MVP nod as the team clinched the ACC crown. His poise in high‑pressure moments earned comparisons to all‑time sharpshooter veterans—analysts dubbed him more versatile than a young J.J. Redick.
That freshman tandem wasn’t just stat‑sheet dominance: they were friends whose bond transcended basketball. This offseason, the two re‑united in Vegas at Summer League, rekindling their admiration and camaraderie courtside. The moment drew praise even from Flagg’s mother, Kelly Bowman Flagg, who approved the heartfelt reunion between the former roommates.
Despite their status as NBA lottery picks for rival franchises—Flagg with Dallas, Knueppel with Charlotte—their friendship remains strong. Knueppel summed up the dynamic simply: “We feel that way about each other… that was really cool.”
In an era marked by hyper‑competitiveness and hype around individualism, their story is a poignant reminder of the human side of sports: friendship, respect, and unforgettable moments shared in both the dorm and under the spotlight.
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