When Kon Knueppel heard his name called on draft night as a first-round selection by the Charlotte Hornets, he knew life was about to change. But what he didn’t know was just how unique that change would be—because it came with a roommate who also happens to be one of the most hyped basketball prospects in recent memory. Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, joined the Hornets as the face of the franchise’s future. While Flagg’s arrival brought with it national attention and sky-high expectations, Knueppel has quietly gone about his business, carving out his place in Charlotte while sharing an apartment with the teenage phenom. And in a recent interview, Knueppel didn’t hold back when asked what it’s really like living with Flagg. His answer? Surprisingly honest, refreshing, and a little hilarious.
“My only complaint?” Knueppel said with a smirk. “He never misses a shot in the morning. Like ever. It’s just… annoying at this point.”
The response drew laughter from the reporter, but Knueppel wasn’t entirely joking. The 6-foot-6 shooting guard out of Marquette has long been known for his elite feel for the game, court vision, and high IQ. But sharing a living space with a generational talent like Flagg, who seems to operate on a different plane of athletic existence, has brought a new kind of motivation—and humility. Flagg, still just 18 years old, has earned a reputation for being relentlessly focused, absurdly disciplined, and borderline robotic in his daily routines. For Knueppel, that means early wakeups, perfectly arranged protein bars, and a relentless barrage of swishes from the corner of their shared practice gym.
“We’ll both get up around 6:30, make a little breakfast, head over to shoot,” Knueppel explained. “And he’s already locked in, headphones on, eyes like lasers. I’m over here trying to stretch out my back, and he’s already 7-for-7 from deep. It’s inspiring and, yeah, kind of terrifying.”
Flagg’s work ethic has quickly become the stuff of legend among Hornets teammates and coaches. Despite the media circus surrounding his every move, the Maine native hasn’t lost focus on his goals—or his grounding. While some might expect the top pick in the NBA draft to carry himself with entitlement or distance, Flagg has proven to be remarkably down-to-earth. That doesn’t mean he’s not intense, however. Knueppel joked that Flagg treats a game of HORSE like it’s Game 7 of the Finals.
“We’ll play a few games to wind down, and it’s like—man, you’d think a national title was on the line. He hates losing. Even in board games. He flipped our Monopoly board once. True story.”
Off the court, the dynamic between the two rookies has fostered what seems to be a genuine brotherhood. They cook meals together, binge-watch film from old NBA games, and even trade playlists to keep each other’s mental edge sharp. Knueppel has introduced Flagg to some of his favorite jazz tracks, while Flagg has returned the favor with a curated list of classic rock anthems and aggressive pre-game tunes that “wake the dead,” according to Knueppel.
“He’s got a playlist titled ‘Destruction Mode,’ and I swear it’s just 40 minutes of chaos,” Knueppel said, laughing. “But somehow it gets him into that zone, so I just roll with it.”
Flagg, in turn, has praised Knueppel’s versatility and leadership instincts, often crediting the former Golden Eagle for helping him adjust to the complexities of NBA life. In post-practice interviews, Flagg has frequently deflected praise and pointed to his roommate as someone who keeps him grounded and prepared.
“Kon’s one of the smartest guys I’ve ever been around,” Flagg said during Summer League. “He’s helped me a ton with film study, how to approach defenses, just the mindset part of being a pro. I’m lucky to have him around.”
Their bond has extended to the court, where the chemistry is beginning to translate into solid production. During the Las Vegas Summer League, the Hornets’ rookie tandem turned heads. Flagg dazzled with his all-around dominance—showcasing an elite handle, defensive versatility, and improved outside shooting—while Knueppel filled in gaps with timely passing, clutch buckets, and a calm, steady demeanor. In one standout game against the Sacramento Kings’ Summer League squad, Flagg finished with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks, while Knueppel chipped in 18 points and 6 assists, including a key three-pointer that tied the game late in the fourth.
“That one felt special,” Knueppel recalled. “We were clicking. There was this flow—like we were speaking the same language out there.”
Yet, despite the early success and the media spotlight that seems permanently trained on Flagg, Knueppel doesn’t feel overshadowed. In fact, he sees the situation as an advantage. As one of the lesser-hyped rookies in a draft class dominated by Flagg, Bronny James, and Ace Bailey, Knueppel gets the rare benefit of flying under the radar—while still experiencing the daily standard of excellence demanded of NBA greatness.
“I get to see what it takes every day, up close,” he said. “That’s a gift. Not everyone gets that type of example at 19 or 20 years old. I’m soaking it up.”
Still, the adjustment hasn’t been without its challenges. When asked if there were any awkward moments in their shared apartment, Knueppel grinned.
“Yeah, I’ll be honest—dude takes up like 75% of the fridge with smoothies and raw food stuff. I tried sneaking in a frozen pizza once, and he gave me this look like I had just betrayed the nation,” Knueppel joked. “We compromised. Now we have a smoothie shelf and a pizza drawer. Peace restored.”
