Kon Knueppel of Duke played really well in assisting his teammate to stay within boundaries.

In an exciting ACC clash between Duke and NC State on Monday night, freshmen Kon Knueppel stole the show with a game-changing move.

While Cooper Flagg is generally the Blue Devils’ top player, Knueppel’s quick thinking and savvy play made all the difference. With the time winding down in the second half, Duke’s Tyrese Proctor fell out of bounds while gripping the ball.

In a flash of genius, Knueppel grabbed Proctor’s leg and dragged him back into the floor, saving a turnover and providing Duke with a critical opportunity to keep possession.

Knueppel finished the game Monday night with 19 points, six rebounds, and three forced turnovers. The Blue Devils triumphed 74-64, bringing their season record to 18-2 (10-0 ACC). On Saturday, No. 2 Duke will face their arch rival North Carolina Tar Heels at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. That game will be televised on ESPN beginning at 6:30 p.m. EST.

Duke Basketball’s four first-round choices have dominated NBA Draft predictions.
With four players anticipated to be selected in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft, Duke Basketball has solidified its reputation as a top talent generator. This remarkable achievement reflects the program’s continuous superiority in player development under head coach Jon Scheyer’s supervision.

The Blue Devils’ quartet of NBA prospects combine youth, athleticism, and talent, making them a formidable force in college basketball. Leading the charge is athletic forward **Kyle Filipowski**, who returned for his second year to develop. Filipowski’s draft stock has increased to the lottery level thanks to his ability to stretch the floor, grab rebounds, and play with a high basketball IQ. His decision to stay at Duke for another year has paid off, displaying his leadership and development on and off the court.

Tyrese Proctor, a talented guard whose playmaking ability and court vision have earned him comparisons to NBA All-Stars, will join Filipowski in the first-round conversation. Scouts value Proctor’s ability to create opportunities for his teammates as well as his improved shooting. His ability to dominate games and remain calm under pressure has been critical to Duke’s success this season.

Promising freshman **Jared McCain** and **Sean Stewart** round out the first-round prospects. McCain’s outstanding offensive skill set and shooting ability have placed him as one of the nation’s best perimeter threats. Because of his smooth stroke and defensive perseverance, he appeals to NBA clubs searching for a trustworthy two-way player. Stewart, on the other hand, has garnered overwhelmingly good comments for his raw athleticism and ability to dominate in the paint. Stewart’s 6’9″ height and impressive wingspan make him an ideal defender and rim protector.

Duke’s exceptional player development and recruiting techniques are reflected in its ability to consistently produce NBA-ready athletes. The program prepares athletes to make a smooth transition to the professional game by focusing on both team success and individual skill development. The forecasts for this year’s draft show Duke’s unrivaled ability to turn young players into future superstars.

All eyes will be on these four Blue Devils as the NBA Draft approaches. In addition to reaffirming Duke’s dominance, their appearance in the first round will open the door for a new set of players looking to establish themselves at the top level.