Rookie Duo Shines as Duke Cruises in Exhibition Opener

The Duke Blue Devils' highly anticipated 2024-25 season got off to a promising start as their two prized freshmen, Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, delivered standout performances in the team's exhibition opener against the Division II Lincoln (Pa.) Lions. While the Blue Devils cruised to a comfortable victory, the young duo's impressive displays have set the stage for an exciting year ahead.

Rookie Sensations Ignite Duke's Offense

Flagg's Playmaking and Defense Captivate Crowd

The first half of the exhibition game was dominated by the dynamic play of Cooper Flagg, the highly touted Maine native who has already drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players in Duke's illustrious history. Flagg's smooth playmaking and next-level defensive prowess were on full display, thrilling the Cameron Crazies with his ability to orchestrate the offense and shut down the opposition.Flagg's versatility and basketball IQ were evident as he seamlessly facilitated the Blue Devils' attack, finding open teammates and creating scoring opportunities. His defensive intensity and instincts were equally impressive, as he used his length and athleticism to disrupt the Lions' offense and make several key plays on that end of the floor.

Knueppel Torches Nets from Deep

While Flagg's all-around brilliance captivated the crowd, it was Kon Knueppel's sharpshooting that truly ignited the Blue Devils' offense in the first half. The 6-foot-7, 217-pound guard/forward from Wisconsin, who arrived in Durham as the 18th overall prospect in the 2024 class, showcased his deadly accuracy from beyond the arc.Knueppel finished the first half an impressive 5-for-7 from the 3-point line, accounting for 15 of his team's points and tying junior guard Tyrese Proctor for the most points scored before the break. Knueppel's ability to stretch the floor and knock down perimeter shots with consistency provided a valuable complement to Flagg's playmaking, making the Blue Devils' offense a formidable unit.

Duke Cruises to Comfortable Victory

The combination of Flagg's all-around brilliance and Knueppel's sharpshooting allowed the Blue Devils to build a comfortable lead over the Lions by halftime. Duke entered the locker room with a 56-34 advantage, showcasing the depth and talent of their roster.While the exhibition contest was a relatively one-sided affair, the performances of Flagg and Knueppel provided a tantalizing glimpse of the potential that this Duke team possesses. The young duo's ability to impact the game in multiple ways has set the stage for an exciting season ahead, as the Blue Devils look to build on their strong start and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.As Duke prepares for their next exhibition matchup against the Arizona State Sun Devils, led by former Blue Devils legend Bobby Hurley, the focus will undoubtedly be on the continued development and integration of Flagg and Knueppel into the team's system. With the regular season just around the corner, the Blue Devils' faithful will be eager to see how this talented freshman class can propel the team to new heights.