Freshman phenom Cooper Flagg made a spectacular debut for Duke on Monday night, leading the Blue Devils to a decisive 96-62 victory over Maine at a sold-out Cameron Indoor Stadium. Flagg, along with fellow five-star recruit Kon Knueppel, showcased the immense talent on this year’s roster. The commanding win sets a positive tone for Duke as they head into a challenging early-season schedule.
Flagg Lives up to the Hype in His First Game
All eyes were on Cooper Flagg, and the 17-year-old delivered a well-rounded performance. Despite some early nerves that showed in his shooting, he filled the stat sheet. Flagg finished the night with 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
He missed his four three-point attempts but still found ways to score, going 6-of-15 from the field. His first points came from the free-throw line, a moment that seemed to settle him into the game. Later, he brought the crowd to its feet with an explosive one-handed dunk that highlighted his elite athleticism.
A minor scare came in the second half when Flagg went down with a cramp after a layup. He was helped off the court but was seen smiling on the bench shortly after, reassuring everyone that the issue was not serious.
Knueppel Provides a Powerful Offensive Spark
While Flagg was the main attraction, fellow freshman Kon Knueppel arguably had the better offensive night. He led all scorers with 22 points, doing most of his damage in the first half. Knueppel was on fire early, scoring 15 points in the first 20 minutes and helping Duke build a comfortable lead.
Knueppel’s performance demonstrated his versatility and efficiency. He also added four rebounds and two assists, proving he is more than just a shooter. His ability to step up and lead the scoring shows the incredible depth of this Duke team. Coach Jon Scheyer now has two dynamic freshmen who can carry the offensive load.
Six Blue Devils Score in Double Figures
The victory was a true team effort, not just a showcase for the freshmen. Duke shot an impressive 55% from the field, with multiple players making significant contributions. This balanced scoring attack is a great sign for the team moving forward.
- Sophomore guard Caleb Foster scored 11 points.
- Tulane transfer Sion James also added 11 points from the bench.
- In total, six different Duke players reached double-digit scoring.
This depth will be crucial as Duke prepares to face tougher competition. Being able to get points from various players makes the team much harder to defend.
Player Scoring Breakdown
| Player | Points |
| Kon Knueppel | 22 |
| Cooper Flagg | 18 |
| Caleb Foster | 11 |
| Sion James | 11 |
A Challenging Schedule Awaits Duke
This win over Maine was the perfect start, but the road gets much tougher from here. After a game against Army, the Blue Devils will face a series of high-stakes matchups before Thanksgiving. The upcoming schedule includes games against No. 23 Kentucky, No. 10 Arizona, and the top-ranked Kansas Jayhawks.
These early tests will reveal a lot about the chemistry and resilience of this young squad. With Flagg already showing poise and the team displaying incredible depth, hopes are high in Durham for a successful season. Fans are eager to see if this promising start can translate into wins against the nation’s best teams.
