Cooper Flagg talks about lasting friendship with Kon Knueppel

Cooper Flagg addressed the media Wednesday after being named the 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year. Flagg, who was given the slight edge over former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel, spoke about their friendship with one another as the season progressed. "He's somebody who will be one of my best friends for the rest of my life," said Flagg.

"Just staying in contact, seeing how things have been different for him and what he's learned and just trying to help each other in our own single journey apart from each other. " Although they wore different uniforms, the duo of Flagg and Knueppel made time for one another throughout the season. The two were in attendance at multiple Duke basketball games during the All-Star break and were also a part of a presentation for the 2026 NBA All-Star Technology Summit.

Looking ahead to next year, Duke fans will be eager to see the former Blue Devils take the court against one another, having only done so once during the 2025-26 season. This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Cooper Flagg talks about lasting friendship with Kon Knueppel