Three freshman standouts—Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, and Kon Knueppel—have not only elevated Duke’s status in the NCAA Basketball landscape, but they’ve also redefined the top of the 2025 NBA Draft board.
Each brings a distinct skill set, yet all three embody the two-way excellence and maturity that have become hallmarks of Jon Scheyer’s evolving program. Together, they’ve turned Duke into the focal point of NBA front offices and the gold standard for freshman development, as everyone gets ready for the NBA Draft on June 25.
Cooper Flagg: The Blueprint of a Modern Franchise Star
Cooper Flagg entered Durham carrying sky-high expectations—and exceeded them. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.9 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game, cementing himself as the most complete freshman in the country. He combines elite anticipation with physical tools that allow him to dominate on both ends. His polished offensive package includes a smooth jumper, unselfish court vision, and an unrelenting motor.
Defensively, he switches across all five positions and impacts possessions with help-side rim protection and perimeter containment. Flagg’s versatility has scouts labeling him the consensus No. 1 pick and a projected cornerstone at the next level.
Khaman Maluach: The Rising Tower With International Edge
At 7-foot-2 with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, Khaman Maluach transformed Duke’s defense. Averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks, Maluach has emerged as one of the best rim protectors in the nation. His FIBA background with NBA Academy Africa gave him a head start in physicality, footwork, and composure.
Now at Duke, his defensive instincts, mobility in switches, and rapidly improving offensive tools—such as a soft touch around the rim and a budding jumper—have him climbing draft boards. Projected to go in the 4–6 range, Maluach is seen as a long-term starting-caliber big with elite defensive upside.
Kon Knueppel: The Silent Star With Surgical Efficiency
Kon Knueppel’s numbers speak louder than any mixtape. The 6-foot-6 guard from Wisconsin averaged 14.4 points, four rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting an elite 47.9% from the field, 40.6% from three, and 91.4% from the free-throw line.
He plays with veteran calm, consistently making the right reads, punishing closeouts, and spacing the floor to perfection. His high release and deep range make him nearly unguardable when hot. Knueppel doesn’t force the game—he controls it. With positional versatility and elite efficiency, he’s locked in as a top-10 pick, tailor-made for today’s NBA offensive systems.
Scheyer’s Blueprint: NBA Systems, Pro-Level Growth
Jon Scheyer’s third season at the helm has produced Duke’s most NBA-ready class in over a decade. Under his staff’s guidance, Flagg sharpened his perimeter game with Amile Jefferson, Maluach developed under Chris Carrawell’s center-specific tutelage, and Knueppel flourished in a motion offense tailored to decision-making and spacing.
This trio’s progress is a product of Duke’s growing identity as a pro development factory—not just a college powerhouse. Their growth is systematic, intentional, and rooted in the habits demanded at the next level.
Draft Projection: History in the Making
With Flagg the unanimous No. 1 overall, Maluach a mid-lottery lock, and Knueppel firmly in the top 10, Duke is poised to place three players in the draft’s first 10 picks—a feat not accomplished since Florida’s 2007 core.
Scheyer is now the architect of a new era, following up Paolo Banchero’s No. 1 selection in 2022 and Dereck Lively II’s 2023 first-round jump with this generational class. NBA front offices view Durham as the ideal launchpad for elite talent, blending conditioning, NBA schemes, and high-level competition.
Flagg’s Defensive Floor-Raising
What separates Flagg from other top forwards is his rare combination of agility, size, and defensive awareness. He rotates like a seasoned veteran, closes out under control, and recovers with length and timing.
Teams have tried to isolate him—only to see him force turnovers or erase angles. His impact mirrors that of elite NBA defenders like Kawhi Leonard or Scottie Pippen, and his projected versatility is already being factored into professional defensive schemes.
Maluach’s Global Trajectory
Maluach’s story is one of rapid ascent. From NBA Academy Africa to anchoring one of the top NCAA defenses, he’s adapted with poise and physical dominance. His rebounding timing and interior presence have made Duke a top-10 rebounding team nationally.
With professional experience already under his belt from international play, scouts project Maluach not only as a defensive enforcer, but as a future international star in the NBA’s global marketing scope.
Knueppel’s NBA-Ready Floor Game
Knueppel’s shooting gravity stretches defenses, but it’s his decision-making that has scouts intrigued. He rarely turns the ball over, makes crisp reads in closeouts, and guards both guard spots. He’s efficient, intelligent, and relentless without needing volume. His game fits seamlessly into NBA systems emphasizing pace, space, and low-usage playmaking. His maturity and poise make him one of the safest bets in the draft.
The Duke Standard, Reinvented
Flagg, Maluach, and Knueppel are more than elite talents—they’re the embodiment of Duke’s next era. They’ve turned promise into production, potential into results. For five-star prospects weighing their next step, this trio sends a clear message: come to Duke, develop like a pro, and leave as a top-10 pick. Jon Scheyer isn’t just filling shoes—he’s redefining the pipeline. Duke is no longer just a stepping stone; it’s a launchpad.
