**NBA SUMMER LEAGUE TAKEOVER: Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel & Duke’s Young Guns DOMINATE Vegas – The Brotherhood Is Rising Again**
The NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has always been a showcase for the next generation of basketball talent, but this year, it felt different. The buzz wasn’t just about top draft picks or established G-League stars—it was about Duke’s latest wave of phenoms, led by the electrifying Cooper Flagg and the sharpshooting Kon Knueppel, who turned Sin City into their personal playground. The Brotherhood isn’t just reloading; it’s rising again, and the basketball world is taking notice.
From the moment Flagg stepped onto the court in his first Summer League game, it was clear that the hype was real. The 6’9” forward, already drawing comparisons to a young Kevin Durant for his smooth offensive game and defensive versatility, wasted no time making his mark. In his debut, Flagg dropped 28 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and swatted four shots, displaying a blend of athleticism, skill, and basketball IQ that left scouts and fans alike in awe. His ability to take over games—whether with a thunderous dunk, a step-back three, or a lockdown defensive sequence—cemented his status as the best prospect in the building, even among NBA-ready talent.
But Flagg wasn’t alone in his dominance. Kon Knueppel, the 6’6” wing with a lethal shooting stroke, proved why he was one of the most coveted recruits in the nation. Knueppel’s off-ball movement and quick release made him nearly unguardable, as he torched defenses with a 47% clip from beyond the arc through the first three games. His 24-point explosion in a comeback win over the Grizzlies’ Summer League squad was a masterclass in shot-making, with NBA executives already whispering about him as a future lottery pick.
What made Duke’s Summer League takeover even more impressive was the way the rest of the Blue Devils’ young core stepped up. Five-star guard Isaiah Evans showcased his explosive scoring ability, dropping 20-plus points in back-to-back games, while big man Patrick Ngongba II anchored the paint with his physicality and rim protection. The chemistry between these players—many of whom have only been teammates for a few months—was undeniable, a testament to the culture head coach Jon Scheyer has built in Durham.
The Brotherhood’s dominance in Vegas wasn’t just about individual talent; it was about a collective identity. Duke players have always carried a certain swagger, but this group plays with a chip on their shoulder, as if they’re out to prove that the program’s golden era never ended. Flagg, in particular, has embraced the role of leader, barking out defensive assignments and rallying his teammates during timeouts like a seasoned veteran. His competitive fire is contagious, and it’s clear that his presence has elevated everyone around him.
NBA scouts have taken note. One Western Conference executive, speaking anonymously, called Flagg “the most complete prospect since Zion Williamson,” while another praised Knueppel as “the best pure shooter in the 2025 class.” The buzz around these players has only grown louder with each game, and it’s not just their skills that are turning heads—it’s their poise. Playing against older, more experienced competition, Duke’s young guns never looked overwhelmed. Instead, they looked like they belonged, dominating stretches of games with the same confidence they showed in high school and AAU circuits.
The comparisons to past Duke greats are inevitable. Flagg’s two-way brilliance evokes memories of Jayson Tatum, while Knueppel’s shooting prowess brings back visions of JJ Redick. But this group isn’t interested in living in the shadow of those who came before them—they’re determined to carve out their own legacy. And if their Summer League performance is any indication, they’re well on their way.
Beyond the box scores and highlights, what stood out most was the way these players carried themselves. There was no entitlement, no diva behavior—just a group of young stars putting in work and letting their game do the talking. Flagg, despite being the center of attention, was often the first player to help a teammate off the floor or applaud a big play from the bench. That unselfishness, that commitment to winning, is what separates good prospects from great ones, and it’s why Duke’s pipeline to the NBA shows no signs of slowing down.
As the Summer League playoffs approached, the buzz around Flagg and Knueppel reached a fever pitch. Social media was flooded with clips of their highlights, and even NBA stars took notice. Kevin Durant tweeted, “Cooper Flagg is different,” while Steph Curry gave a shoutout to Knueppel’s “old-man game with a young man’s legs.” The spotlight was bright, but Duke’s young stars only shined brighter.
In their final game before the playoff bracket, Flagg delivered a performance for the ages—a 32-point, 10-rebound, 5-assist, 5-block masterpiece that had the entire Thomas & Mack Center on its feet. Knueppel added 21 points, including five threes, as Duke’s squad rolled to another double-digit win. The message was clear: The Brotherhood isn’t just here to compete; they’re here to dominate.
The rise of Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Duke’s latest crop of stars is more than just a Summer League storyline—it’s a reminder of the program’s enduring excellence. From Coach K to Jon Scheyer, from Grant Hill to Zion Williamson, Duke has always been a factory for NBA talent. And now, a new generation is ready to carry the torch.
As the lights of Vegas fade and the NBA offseason rolls on, one thing is certain: The Brotherhood is back, and the basketball world better be ready. The takeover has only just begun.
