In a heart-wrenching conclusion to their season, Duke’s basketball team fell short against Houston in the Final Four of the 2025 March Madness tournament. Head coach John Shy expressed immense pride in his players, particularly standout student athletes Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, despite the disappointing outcome. The game saw Duke leading for the majority, holding a six-point advantage with just over a minute left. However, Houston capitalized on critical moments, ultimately securing a place in the national championship game.

During a post-game press conference, Coach Shy acknowledged the emotional toll of the loss, saying, “It’s incredibly disappointing. We were an inch away from the national championship game.” He commended Houston’s championship-caliber performance and the respect he holds for their team.

Flagg reflected on the season as a whole, emphasizing the deep relationships formed with teammates and coaches. He noted, “It was an incredible season… didn’t end the way we wanted it to, but still an incredible year.” When questioned about the final moments of the game, Flagg admitted that miscommunication on a crucial play impacted their execution.

Knueppel, echoing Flagg’s sentiments, praised his teammate’s performance throughout the tournament while highlighting the importance of teamwork. “It’s always a team effort… Coupe had the hot hand,” he stated, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defined their season.

Despite the bitter end, both players expressed hope that their efforts and unity would be remembered fondly by fans. Flagg stated, “The connectivity of this team… I wouldn’t have wanted it to be with anybody else.” The Duke squad, celebrated as ACC champions, leaves a legacy of resilience, teamwork, and dedication, even in defeat.