**Duke Basketball Head Coach Raves About Their Two Freshmen in Spring Practice**
Duke basketball is no stranger to elite talent, and this spring, two standout freshmen have already begun turning heads. Head coach Jon Scheyer has been vocal about his excitement for the incoming class, particularly praising the rapid development and work ethic of two young stars. While Duke’s program consistently attracts top-tier recruits, Scheyer’s enthusiasm suggests these two players could make an immediate impact when the season begins.
### **Freshmen Making an Early Impact**
During recent spring practices, Coach Scheyer has been impressed with both the skill level and attitude of the two freshmen. While he didn’t officially name them in his latest press conference, sources close to the program suggest he’s referring to two highly touted recruits—**Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel**.
Flagg, widely regarded as the No. 1 recruit in the 2024 class, brings an elite combination of size, skill, and defensive intensity. At 6’9”, the forward has already shown glimpses of his versatility, demonstrating an ability to score at all three levels while also being a defensive anchor. His competitive nature has stood out in practice, and Scheyer has repeatedly emphasized Flagg’s leadership and high basketball IQ.
Knueppel, a sharpshooting wing, has been another revelation. Known for his elite three-point shooting and polished offensive game, the 6’5” guard has impressed the coaching staff with his ability to space the floor and make quick decisions. Scheyer highlighted Knueppel’s work ethic, noting how he’s already spending extra hours in the gym, refining his shot and adapting to the speed of the college game.
### **Coach Scheyer’s Praise**
Following a recent practice, Scheyer couldn’t hide his excitement about the two freshmen.
*”These guys don’t just have talent—they have the mindset and work ethic to be great. It’s one thing to be highly ranked coming in, but they’re proving it every day in practice. They’re pushing our veterans, competing at a high level, and learning fast. That’s what we love to see.”*
Scheyer also pointed out their ability to handle adversity, which is key in Duke’s system. *“It’s not just about scoring or making flashy plays. It’s about playing the right way, defending, and being ready to contribute in different ways. Both of these guys are already showing they understand that.”*
### **What This Means for Duke’s 2024-25 Season**
With these two freshmen already standing out, Duke fans have plenty of reasons to be excited. The Blue Devils lost key players to the NBA Draft, but with Flagg and Knueppel making strong impressions early, Duke’s roster looks poised to remain a national contender.
If Flagg continues his trajectory, he could be a day-one starter, providing elite defense and playmaking. Meanwhile, Knueppel’s shooting could be a perfect complement to Duke’s offensive system, which thrives on floor spacing and movement.
With summer workouts approaching, Scheyer and his staff are eager to see how these two freshmen continue to develop. If early signs are any indication, Duke’s newest additions could be instrumental in the team’s pursuit of another deep NCAA Tournament run.
