Duke basketball’s Cooper Flagg, Tyrese Proctor, Kon Knueppel discuss start of NCAA Tournament

Duke Basketball’s Cooper Flagg, Tyrese Proctor, Kon Knueppel Discuss Start of NCAA Tournament

The NCAA Tournament is often referred to as “March Madness” for a reason. The intensity, the pressure, and the excitement of the postseason create an atmosphere that is like no other in college basketball. For Duke University, one of the most storied programs in the history of the sport, every March presents an opportunity to add to its rich legacy. As the Blue Devils entered the 2025 NCAA Tournament, they were poised for another deep run, led by a trio of rising stars: Cooper Flagg, Tyrese Proctor, and Kon Knueppel. Each player brought a unique set of skills to the table, and together, they represented a blend of talent, experience, and leadership that made Duke a formidable force.

As the tournament kicked off, the spotlight was on Duke’s stars—particularly Flagg, Proctor, and Knueppel, whose contributions would be crucial to the Blue Devils’ hopes of advancing deep into March Madness. Each player had their own perspective on what it meant to start the tournament and what they were looking to achieve. In a recent conversation with the media, the three players discussed their expectations, the challenges they anticipated, and the importance of their team-first mentality as Duke looked to continue its championship aspirations.

Cooper Flagg: A National Phenom on the Brink of Greatness

At just 18 years old, Cooper Flagg was already considered one of the most highly anticipated freshmen in college basketball. The 6’9″ forward from Maine was one of the most decorated high school players in recent memory, known for his defensive prowess, basketball IQ, and versatile scoring ability. Flagg’s decision to commit to Duke had sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, as many had seen him as a future No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft.

Flagg’s debut season at Duke had lived up to the hype. He had immediately made an impact, showcasing his ability to guard multiple positions, block shots, and score in a variety of ways. While his defense was his calling card, Flagg was no slouch on the offensive end either, with an ability to score inside and out, as well as a growing comfort with Duke’s system.

As the Blue Devils entered the NCAA Tournament, Flagg was a player who not only had the potential to take over games but also one who could carry his team on his back. His combination of length, athleticism, and basketball IQ made him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. With all eyes on him, Flagg remained focused on the team’s goals, emphasizing the importance of staying locked in and not getting distracted by the noise surrounding his individual accomplishments.

“We’ve got one goal, and that’s to win it all,” Flagg said during a pre-tournament interview. “It’s all about the team. We know how good we are, but we also know that March is unpredictable. You’ve got to be ready for anything.”

Flagg’s leadership on the court, paired with his ability to impact the game in multiple ways, was going to be crucial for Duke. With his potential to be a game-changer, Flagg’s mindset going into the tournament was clear: focus on playing team basketball, let the chips fall where they may, and embrace the madness that is March.

Tyrese Proctor: The Steady Leader at the Point Guard Position

Tyrese Proctor, Duke’s starting point guard, was another player whose importance could not be overstated. Proctor had earned a reputation as one of the most talented playmakers in college basketball, with the ability to control the game’s tempo, make clutch plays, and facilitate for his teammates. The Australian sophomore had made significant strides in his development during his second season at Duke, and his leadership on the court had been a stabilizing force for the Blue Devils throughout the regular season.

With his combination of vision, court awareness, and composure, Proctor was the perfect player to lead Duke’s offense through the rigors of the NCAA Tournament. His ability to break down defenses, hit timely shots, and make the right decisions under pressure was going to be a key factor in Duke’s success.

“As a point guard, it’s my job to make sure the guys are in the right spots and that we’re playing together,” Proctor said when discussing his role. “I know we’ve got the talent to win, but we’ve also got to play smart, stay disciplined, and not get rattled. March is all about mental toughness.”

Proctor’s leadership was vital for Duke’s success in the tournament. While Flagg could take over games with his scoring and defense, Proctor’s calm demeanor and ability to make his teammates better would be a defining factor in how far Duke could go. His maturity for a player of his age had already been on full display in the regular season, and now, it was time for him to help guide his team through the emotional and physical grind of the postseason.

Kon Knueppel: The Silent Workhorse Who Does It All

Kon Knueppel, a key contributor for Duke, had quietly emerged as one of the team’s most reliable players. While Flagg and Proctor garnered most of the headlines, Knueppel’s unselfish style of play, defensive tenacity, and ability to score from all areas of the floor made him a vital piece of Duke’s puzzle. The 6’6″ guard/forward from Wisconsin had a complete skill set, and his consistency throughout the season made him a player Duke could rely on in clutch situations.

Knueppel’s role was somewhat understated in the grand scheme of Duke’s star-studded roster, but he was the type of player who could swing the momentum in a game with his hustle, defense, and basketball IQ. Whether it was grabbing a key rebound, hitting a big three, or locking down the opposing team’s best player, Knueppel’s contributions often flew under the radar but were essential to Duke’s success.

As the tournament approached, Knueppel expressed his excitement to play on the national stage, knowing that his team had the potential to do something special. “This is what we’ve worked for all year,” Knueppel said. “We’ve put in the work, and now it’s about showing up when it matters most. We’ve got a deep team, and we all play for each other. We’re going to take this one game at a time and do whatever it takes to win.”

Knueppel’s blue-collar mentality and his willingness to do the little things had made him a fan favorite in Durham. His ability to impact games without the need for flashy plays made him a crucial part of the Blue Devils’ postseason plans. Whether it was making a clutch defensive stop or hitting a timely shot, Knueppel was the kind of player who could elevate Duke when the stakes were highest.

Duke’s NCAA Tournament Outlook

As the NCAA Tournament kicked off, the Blue Devils found themselves positioned as one of the top seeds in the field. With their combination of youth, talent, and experience, Duke was a dangerous team for any opponent. Flagg, Proctor, and Knueppel, along with the other pieces on the roster, formed a well-rounded group capable of competing with anyone in the country.

However, March Madness is unpredictable, and Duke’s road to a championship would be filled with challenges. From the intense competition in the tournament’s first rounds to the pressure of close games, the Blue Devils had to remain focused on the task at hand.

“We’ve been through a lot this season, but I think we’re ready,” said Flagg. “We know we’ve got the talent, and we know that anything can happen in the tournament. But if we stick together and play our brand of basketball, we’ll be just fine.”

For Proctor, the focus was on leadership and keeping his teammates composed. “It’s about getting better every game,” Proctor added. “Every team in the tournament is good, but we’ve got to stay true to who we are. I’m confident in this team, and I know we’ve got what it takes to win it all.”

Knueppel, ever the quiet contributor, emphasized the importance of playing together as a unit. “We’ve got a lot of different pieces, but when we play together, we’re tough to beat,” he said. “We’ve all got different strengths, and it’s about using those to our advantage.”