Brooklyn, NY – The 2025 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center will forever be etched in the annals of Duke University basketball history, not just for the sheer talent on display, but for the profound emotional narratives woven into each pick. It was a night of tears, triumph, and brotherhood as Duke’s dynamic trio — Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach — etched their names into NBA lore, making the Blue Devils the first program in over a decade to have three players selected within the top 10. This was more than just a victory for Duke Basketball; it was a global showcase of talent, perseverance, and the deep bonds forged under the tutelage of Coach Jon Scheyer.
The anticipation surrounding Cooper Flagg, the phenom from Newport, Maine, had reached a fever pitch months before Draft night. Widely projected as the consensus No. 1 overall pick, the moment of his selection by the Dallas Mavericks was no less powerful for its predictability. As Commissioner Adam Silver announced his name, the cameras immediately cut to Flagg, surrounded by his overjoyed family. The emotion was raw and palpable.
For Flagg, this wasn’t just about basketball; it was a deeply personal triumph. His reclassification to join Duke a year early, his singular, dominant season in Durham where he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and led the Blue Devils to a Final Four appearance while earning AP National Player of the Year honors – all of it culminated in this single, defining moment. The tears that welled in his eyes, particularly during a heartfelt embrace with his mother, Kelly Flagg (a former college basketball player herself), spoke volumes. It was the raw emotion of a young man realizing a lifelong dream, a dream that had required immense sacrifice from him and his family. The “hometown celebration” felt genuine and profound, a testament to the close-knit community that had supported his extraordinary journey from rural Maine to the pinnacle of basketball.
Flagg’s two-way mastery, his relentless motor, and his advanced basketball IQ set him apart. He is not merely a scorer but a defensive disruptor, capable of guarding multiple positions and altering shots with his impressive length. For the Dallas Mavericks, who are looking to build a sustainable championship contender around their existing stars, Flagg represents the perfect blend of immediate impact and long-term potential – a true foundational piece. His selection as the No. 1 pick solidified his status as a generational talent and cemented his place as a future face of the NBA.
While Flagg’s selection was foregone conclusion, the rise of Kon Knueppel to the No. 4 overall pick, selected by the San Antonio Spurs, was a testament to his quiet determination, undeniable skill, and unwavering faith. Knueppel, a 6-foot-6 shooting guard from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, brought a different kind of intensity to the Duke program. He wasn’t always the flashiest player, but his impact was undeniable, particularly his elite shooting prowess and high basketball IQ.
Knueppel spent a single season at Duke, showcasing his remarkable ability to score efficiently and play within a team concept. He averaged 14.8 points per game, shooting an astounding 44% from three-point range on high volume. His ability to move without the ball, hit contested shots, and contribute defensively made him an indispensable part of the Blue Devils’ success.
His journey to the top five was built on consistent performance and a quiet confidence. While not always in the spotlight like Flagg, Knueppel’s dedication to his craft and his strong personal convictions resonated deeply. His “quiet faith shining” refers to his composed demeanor and the consistent effort he put in, allowing his game to speak for itself. For the San Antonio Spurs, a franchise known for its methodical development and emphasis on fundamental skills, Knueppel is an ideal fit. His shooting will provide much-needed spacing for Victor Wembanyama, and his intelligent play aligns perfectly with Coach Gregg Popovich’s system. Knueppel’s story is one of steady progression, proving that talent, coupled with an unwavering work ethic, will always find its reward.
Perhaps the most emotionally resonant moment of the night for Duke fans outside of Flagg’s No. 1 selection was Khaman Maluach’s unforgettable moment as the No. 10 overall pick, selected by the Toronto Raptors. Maluach, a towering 7-foot-2 center from South Sudan, brought a unique story and immense potential to the Draft. His journey from a war-torn region to the pinnacle of collegiate basketball, and now to the NBA, is nothing short of inspirational.
Maluach arrived at Duke as a highly-touted international prospect, raw in some aspects of his game but possessing incredible physical tools and a rapid development curve. In his single season with the Blue Devils, he showed flashes of brilliance, particularly on the defensive end with his shot-blocking and rebounding prowess. He averaged 8.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, demonstrating his ability to impact the game even as his offensive repertoire continues to expand.
When Commissioner Silver called his name, Maluach’s reaction was one of pure, unbridled emotion. Tears streamed down his face, a mixture of joy, relief, and profound gratitude. This wasn’t just his dream; it was the dream of his family, his community, and an entire nation that has faced immense hardship. His journey to the NBA represents hope and possibility for countless young people in South Sudan. The “raw emotion” was a powerful reminder of the global reach of basketball and the transformative power of sport.
For the Toronto Raptors, who have a history of embracing international talent, Maluach is a high-upside pick. His size, athleticism, and defensive potential project him as a future rim protector and paint presence. While he may require further development, his rapid growth trajectory at Duke suggests he will continue to improve at the professional level. His story is a testament to the fact that talent can emerge from anywhere, and that passion for the game can overcome incredible adversity.
The 2025 NBA Draft marked a historic achievement for Duke University. Having three players selected within the top 10 is an incredibly rare feat. The last time a college program achieved this was in 2019, when Duke also accomplished it with Zion Williamson (No. 1), R.J. Barrett (No. 3), and Cam Reddish (No. 10). To replicate such a feat just six years later, and under the leadership of a relatively new head coach in Jon Scheyer, speaks volumes about the program’s enduring appeal, its ability to attract elite talent, and its continued effectiveness in preparing players for the professional ranks.
This trio’s success is a direct reflection of Coach Scheyer’s vision and leadership. Taking over from a legend like Coach K was an unenviable task, but Scheyer has not only maintained Duke’s elite status but has also adapted the program to the evolving landscape of college basketball, particularly in the NIL era. His ability to recruit top-tier prospects, foster a cohesive team environment, and develop individual talents is clearly paying dividends. The brotherhood evident among Flagg, Knueppel, and Maluach, even with their diverse backgrounds and skill sets, is a testament to the culture Scheyer has cultivated.
The 2025 NBA Draft was a night of unforgettable moments for Duke Basketball. From Cooper Flagg’s emotional coronation as the No. 1 pick, to Kon Knueppel’s quiet ascent, and Khaman Maluach’s globally resonant moment, the Blue Devils carved their names into NBA lore. This historic night, soaked in emotion and triumph, underscored not only the individual brilliance of these young men but also the strength of the program that prepared them for the next chapter of their remarkable careers. Brooklyn, NY – The 2025 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center will forever be etched in the annals of Duke University basketball history, not just for the sheer talent on display, but for the profound emotional narratives woven into each pick. It was a night of tears, triumph, and brotherhood as Duke’s dynamic trio — Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach — etched their names into NBA lore, making the Blue Devils the first program in over a decade to have three players selected within the top 10. This was more than just a victory for Duke Basketball; it was a global showcase of talent, perseverance, and the deep bonds forged under the tutelage of Coach Jon Scheyer.
The anticipation surrounding Cooper Flagg, the phenom from Newport, Maine, had reached a fever pitch months before Draft night. Widely projected as the consensus No. 1 overall pick, the moment of his selection by the Dallas Mavericks was no less powerful for its predictability. As Commissioner Adam Silver announced his name, the cameras immediately cut to Flagg, surrounded by his overjoyed family. The emotion was raw and palpable.
For Flagg, this wasn’t just about basketball; it was a deeply personal triumph. His reclassification to join Duke a year early, his singular, dominant season in Durham where he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and led the Blue Devils to a Final Four appearance while earning AP National Player of the Year honors – all of it culminated in this single, defining moment. The tears that welled in his eyes, particularly during a heartfelt embrace with his mother, Kelly Flagg (a former college basketball player herself), spoke volumes. It was the raw emotion of a young man realizing a lifelong dream, a dream that had required immense sacrifice from him and his family. The “hometown celebration” felt genuine and profound, a testament to the close-knit community that had supported his extraordinary journey from rural Maine to the pinnacle of basketball.
Flagg’s two-way mastery, his relentless motor, and his advanced basketball IQ set him apart. He is not merely a scorer but a defensive disruptor, capable of guarding multiple positions and altering shots with his impressive length. For the Dallas Mavericks, who are looking to build a sustainable championship contender around their existing stars, Flagg represents the perfect blend of immediate impact and long-term potential – a true foundational piece. His selection as the No. 1 pick solidified his status as a generational talent and cemented his place as a future face of the NBA.
While Flagg’s selection was foregone conclusion, the rise of Kon Knueppel to the No. 4 overall pick, selected by the Charlotte Hornets, was a testament to his quiet determination, undeniable skill, and unwavering faith. Knueppel, a 6-foot-6 shooting guard from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, brought a different kind of intensity to the Duke program. He wasn’t always the flashiest player, but his impact was undeniable, particularly his elite shooting prowess and high basketball IQ.
Knueppel spent a single season at Duke, showcasing his remarkable ability to score efficiently and play within a team concept. He averaged 14.4 points per game, shooting 40.6% from three-point range on high volume. His ability to move without the ball, hit contested shots, and contribute defensively made him an an indispensable part of the Blue Devils’ success.
His journey to the top five was built on consistent performance and a quiet confidence. While not always in the spotlight like Flagg, Knueppel’s dedication to his craft and his strong personal convictions resonated deeply. His “quiet faith shining” refers to his composed demeanor and the consistent effort he put in, allowing his game to speak for itself. For the Charlotte Hornets, a team looking to build a competitive roster with versatile talent, Knueppel is an ideal fit. His shooting will provide much-needed spacing, and his intelligent play aligns perfectly with a developing young core. Knueppel’s story is one of steady progression, proving that talent, coupled with an unwavering work ethic, will always find its reward.
Perhaps the most emotionally resonant moment of the night for Duke fans outside of Flagg’s No. 1 selection was Khaman Maluach’s unforgettable moment as the No. 10 overall pick, selected by the Houston Rockets (who then reportedly traded his rights to the Phoenix Suns). Maluach, a towering 7-foot-2 center from South Sudan, brought a unique story and immense potential to the Draft. His journey from a war-torn region to the pinnacle of collegiate basketball, and now to the NBA, is nothing short of inspirational.
Maluach arrived at Duke as a highly-touted international prospect, raw in some aspects of his game but possessing incredible physical tools and a rapid development curve. In his single season with the Blue Devils, he showed flashes of brilliance, particularly on the defensive end with his shot-blocking and rebounding prowess. He averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, demonstrating his ability to impact the game even as his offensive repertoire continues to expand.
When Commissioner Silver called his name, Maluach’s reaction was one of pure, unbridled emotion. Tears streamed down his face, a mixture of joy, relief, and profound gratitude. This wasn’t just his dream; it was the dream of his family, his community, and an entire nation that has faced immense hardship. His journey to the NBA represents hope and possibility for countless young people in South Sudan. The “raw emotion” was a powerful reminder of the global reach of basketball and the transformative power of sport.
For the Phoenix Suns, who acquired his rights, Maluach is a high-upside pick. His size, athleticism, and defensive potential project him as a future rim protector and paint presence. While he may require further development, his rapid growth trajectory at Duke suggests he will continue to improve at the professional level. His story is a testament to the fact that talent can emerge from anywhere, and that passion for the game can overcome incredible adversity.
The 2025 NBA Draft marked a historic achievement for Duke University. Having three players selected within the top 10 is an incredibly rare feat. The last time a college program achieved this was in 2019, when Duke also accomplished it with Zion Williamson (No. 1), R.J. Barrett (No. 3), and Cam Reddish (No. 10). To replicate such a feat just six years later, and under the leadership of a relatively new head coach in Jon Scheyer, speaks volumes about the program’s enduring appeal, its ability to attract elite talent, and its continued effectiveness in preparing players for the professional ranks.
This trio’s success is a direct reflection of Coach Scheyer’s vision and leadership. Taking over from a legend like Coach K was an unenviable task, but Scheyer has not only maintained Duke’s elite status but has also adapted the program to the evolving landscape of college basketball, particularly in the NIL era. His ability to recruit top-tier prospects, foster a cohesive team environment, and develop individual talents is clearly paying dividends. The brotherhood evident among Flagg, Knueppel, and Maluach, even with their diverse backgrounds and skill sets, is a testament to the culture Scheyer has cultivated. The 2024-2025 season saw Scheyer lead Duke to an impressive 35-4 record, an ACC regular season championship, an ACC tournament championship, and a run to the Final Four.
The 2025 NBA Draft was a night of unforgettable moments for Duke Basketball. From Cooper Flagg’s emotional coronation as the No. 1 pick, to Kon Knueppel’s quiet ascent, and Khaman Maluach’s globally resonant moment, the Blue Devils carved their names into NBA lore. This historic night, soaked in emotion and triumph, underscored not only the individual brilliance of these young men but also the strength of the program that prepared them for the next chapter of their remarkable careers.
