Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg made a surprise visit to watch a college game of his alma mater, Duke University, against Syracuse. He was accompanied by his college buddy and Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel, another Duke alum and Suns center Khaman Maluach, and the Duke women’s team center Arianna Roberson.
Flagg is part of a stellar lineup of current NBA players who graduated from Duke University, including Jayson Tatum, Paolo Banchero, Kyrie Irving, and others. Enjoying a Rookie of the Year campaign this season, the Dallas Mavericks forward returned to his college to have a fun night watching the next class of hoppers.
Roberson, a former Clark High School player, was seen sitting beside Flagg in the crowd and chatting with him in a rare meeting of the men’s and women’s college basketball worlds. ESPN uploaded the clip on X:
Flagg and Knueppel, who were college roommates, are building a fierce rivalry in the NBA. The Mavs youngster dropped a career-high 49 points and 10 rebounds against his college buddy Knueppel’s Charlotte Hornets in their first meeting in the NBA.
The Hornets even then won the game, riding on the back of Knueppel’s 34-4-3. The two are also the leaders of the Rookie of the Year race this season. However, a recent foot injury has kept Cooper Flagg off the court for a week now.
Cooper Flagg’s injury concerns worry the Mavs
Cooper Flagg, who leads the team in points per game this season, suffered a midfoot sprain last week, but the team shared that there was no need to worry for fans as the injury was “not serious.” However, there is still no update regarding his return to the team rotation.
Flagg, who is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, has kept the Mavericks afloat almost single-handedly. Even though they are 3-2 without him on the floor, they have not won a single game since he was sidelined after the February 10 game against the Phoenix Suns.
The Mavericks fans might be relieved after an injury scare that might have affected his rookie campaign. The team’s front office is also planning to rebuild the roster, given the mid-season trade decisions.
Cooper Flagg’s Mom Firmly Rejects Overblown Luka Doncic Comparison in Strong Message
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
