Last season witnessed a remarkable feat as Jared McCain emerged as the sole Duke basketball player to claim the ACC Rookie of the Week title. This one-and-done talent from California managed to secure two out of the season's 18 honors, yet it wasn't until late January that he received his first recognition.

Fast Forward to the 2024-25 Season

In the current campaign, an exciting development has taken place. The ACC Rookie of the Week award has found its way into the hands of two Duke players within just two weeks. Kon Knueppel kicked off the season with distinction, averaging 18.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting an impressive 56.5 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from downtown during Duke basketball's home wins over Maine and Army.This week, fellow Blue Devil guard/guard Cooper Flagg managed to secure the hardware despite his turnovers in Duke's 77-72 loss to Kentucky at the Champions Classic last Tuesday night. Between that contest and Saturday's home win over Wofford, the projected one-and-done No. 1 overall draft pick averaged 17.0 points, 10.0 boards, 4.0 dimes, 1.5 steals, and 2.0 blocks.The ACC Player of the Week honors have thus far gone to Stanford senior Maxime Raynaud in Week 2 and the Week 1 co-winners, Florida State senior guard Jamir Watkins and Miami graduate guard Nijel Pack.Duke basketball, currently ranked No. 12 in the AP Top 25 Poll, has only one matchup on their schedule this week: a 10:30 p.m. ET Friday (ESPN2) game at No. 17 Arizona.Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more Duke basketball news.

Kon Knueppel's Early Success

Kon Knueppel's performance in the early weeks of the 2024-25 season was truly outstanding. His ability to score consistently and contribute on the boards and in assists was evident. His shooting percentages from both the field and downtown showed his confidence and skill. This early success set the stage for the team and gave Duke fans something to cheer about.During those home wins over Maine and Army, Knueppel's leadership on the court was palpable. His teammates looked to him for guidance and he delivered, helping the team secure victories. His average stats of 18.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game demonstrated his all-around game and his potential as a key player for Duke.

Cooper Flagg's Resilience

Cooper Flagg's journey to securing the ACC Rookie of the Week award this week was not without its challenges. Despite his turnovers in the loss to Kentucky, his overall performance in the subsequent games was remarkable. His ability to rebound, distribute the ball, and defend was on full display.Averaging 17.0 points, 10.0 boards, 4.0 dimes, 1.5 steals, and 2.0 blocks between the Kentucky game and the win over Wofford showed his versatility and impact on the game. Flagg's performance demonstrated that he is not just a scorer but a complete player who can make a difference in various aspects of the game. His resilience in the face of adversity was a testament to his character and his potential as a future star in Duke basketball.