End of an era as Duke Blue Devils star bids farewell after declaring for NBA Draft

After lighting up college basketball and nearly reaching the national title game, superstar freshman duo Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel are going their separate ways.

The news has already hit fans like a buzzer-beater loss.

Kon Knueppel, the sharp-shooting, playmaking freshman who quickly became a fan favourite, is declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft.

Knueppel could’ve stayed and probably led Duke in Year Two.

But with a projected lottery pick waiting, the 19-year-old Wisconsin-native has finally made his move.

Knueppel made the announcement on social media, saying goodbye to the Blue Devils and his iconic team-up with Flagg via a post on his Instagram page.

“Forever a Blue Devil. Taking the Brotherhood with me to the next chapter. #NBADraft,” Knueppel wrote on Wednesday.

Though he didn’t release a full statement, actions speak louder than words, and this one clearly screams “NBA-bound.”

Knueppel wrapped his freshman season averaging 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game, as per ESPN.

His stock soared throughout the year, and NBA scouts noticed.

Together, Flagg and Knueppel were unstoppable.

They powered Duke to a stunning 35-4 record, clinched the ACC Tournament title, and made it all the way to the Final Four.

A heartbreaking loss to Houston cut their run short, but their legacy is sealed.

Both arrived at Duke as five-star prospects.

Now, they’re set to chase NBA glory separately.

Following the bombshell news, Cooper Flagg took to social media to show love to his running mate.

In just two words, he took to the comments to write: “My brother.”

That’s all Flagg needed to say.

The respect, the bond, the connection between these two stars was bigger than basketball.

Nonetheless, Cooper Flagg is still the consensus No. 1 overall pick, although, he hasn’t officially declared for the draft yet.

But let’s be honest, it’s only just a matter of when not if.

The 18-year-old phenom has until April 26, to formally declare for the draft.

Flagg dominated all year, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game, leading Duke in every major statistical category.