Duke Alumni Dominate NBA Rookie of the Year Race
Duke University alumni are making significant waves in the NBA, particularly in the Rookie of the Year race. As the 2025 NBA Draft’s No. 1 overall pick, Cooper Flagg, and his teammate Kon Knueppel, selected fourth overall, face off in a pivotal matchup. The two prominent rookies are now key players for their respective teams, the Dallas Mavericks and the Charlotte Hornets.
Duke Alumni in NBA Rookie of the Year Race
Both players have emerged as frontrunners for the NBA Rookie of the Year award. Flagg, at 6-foot-9, has quickly established himself as a versatile modern NBA wing. His statistics show his all-around ability, making him a standout performer this season.
Cooper Flagg’s Impressive Stats
- Points per game: 18.8
- Rebounds per game: 6.4
- Assists per game: 4.1
- Steals: Leading his team in multiple categories
Flagg’s performance is notable because he is on track to become the first rookie since Michael Jordan to lead his team in total points, rebounds, assists, and steals.
Kon Knueppel’s Rising Star
Although not as heavily touted as Flagg, Knueppel, a 6-foot-7 guard, is making his mark as one of the best shooters in the league. His impressive scoring average contributes significantly to the Charlotte Hornets’ developing potential as a team.
Knueppel’s Achievements
- Points per game: 18.8
- Three-pointers made: On pace to finish top-5 among all NBA rookies
Knueppel aims to join the ranks of NBA legends like Damian Lillard and Larry Bird, becoming only the fifth rookie in history to achieve this milestone.
Competitive Rookie Class
This year’s rookie class includes exceptional talents like VJ Edgecombe, Derik Queen, and Cedric Coward. However, Flagg and Knueppel are leading the pack, showcasing their potential to excel in the league for years to come.
As the season progresses, it will be exciting to observe how these former Duke players continue to impact the league and the Rookie of the Year race. Visit Filmogaz.com for more updates on the NBA and its rising stars.
