“The Team is Breaking”: Cooper Flagg Speaks Out on How Kon Knueppel and Possible Exits Could Define His Future at Duke
With Duke basketball facing significant offseason shifts, top recruit Cooper Flagg has broken his silence on the uncertainty surrounding the Blue Devils’ roster. The departure of key players and the potential exits of others—including speculation around freshman sharpshooter Kon Knueppel—has cast a shadow over what many hoped would be a powerhouse team led by Flagg.
“The team is breaking, that’s the reality right now,” Flagg reportedly shared in a candid moment. “We came here to build something special, but it’s tough when pieces keep moving.”
Kon Knueppel, a fellow five-star recruit known for his elite shooting and high basketball IQ, has been rumored to be reconsidering his position amid the wave of departures. The instability is beginning to shape Flagg’s perspective not just for the upcoming season, but also for his long-term development and NBA trajectory.
For Flagg, who committed to Duke with the intention of chasing championships and growing under a stable program, the current roster flux is a concern. “I’m here to win, to grow, and to represent Duke at the highest level. But I also need a team around me that shares that vision and stays committed,” he said.
If players like Knueppel were to leave, it could drastically impact Duke’s competitiveness and the chemistry that Flagg hoped to build. While there’s no indication that Flagg himself is considering leaving, his comments show a clear frustration and hint at the pressure he faces.
As Duke scrambles to stabilize its roster and reassure its young star, one thing is clear—Cooper Flagg’s future at Duke may depend as much on the players staying as on the ones coming in.
