The journey of Kon Knueppel, from a star at Wisconsin Lutheran High School to a sharpshooter at Duke, and now on the cusp of the NBA Draft, is a compelling narrative of consistent development, unwavering dedication, and the realization of immense potential. His path has been marked by continuous improvement, showcasing a versatile skillset that has adapted and thrived at every level of competition.
Knueppel grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and quickly established himself as a standout talent at Wisconsin Lutheran High School. Even in his freshman season, he displayed glimpses of his future potential, averaging 10.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. His high school career was a testament to his scoring prowess and all-around game. As a junior, he significantly elevated his production, averaging 19.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. This steady progression culminated in a phenomenal senior year where he averaged 25.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. His senior season was capped off by leading Wisconsin Lutheran to a perfect 30-0 record and the Division 2 state championship, a monumental achievement for which he was deservedly named Wisconsin Mr. Basketball. He also became his school’s career leader in points (1,978), rebounds (808), and assists (398), underscoring his comprehensive impact. Beyond the statistics, Knueppel’s high school career was also characterized by his leadership and competitive drive, traits that would serve him well at the collegiate level. He demonstrated a remarkable ability to perform in high-pressure situations, notably recording an 11-point, 11-assist double-double in the state title game.
As a highly sought-after recruit, Knueppel was ranked as a five-star prospect by various recruiting services, including Rivals (No. 12 nationally) and ESPN (No. 22 nationally). His commitment to Duke University on September 21, 2023, marked a significant milestone, choosing to join one of the most prestigious college basketball programs in the nation. This decision placed him among a talented incoming freshman class, including fellow five-star prospect Cooper Flagg, setting the stage for a highly anticipated collegiate debut.
Knueppel’s transition to Duke was seamless, and he immediately made an impact in the 2024-25 season. Despite being a freshman, he started all 39 games for the Blue Devils, showcasing his readiness for the college game. He averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. His most celebrated skill, his shooting, translated exceptionally well, as he shot an impressive 40.6% from three-point range on 5.3 attempts per game and an outstanding 91.4% from the free-throw line. His free-throw percentage was the fourth-best in Duke single-season history and the second-best by a Duke freshman, demonstrating his touch and composure. He also made 84 three-pointers, placing him fifth among Duke freshmen in a single season.
His freshman year at Duke was riddled with accolades, highlighting his immediate impact. He was named to the All-ACC Freshman Team and earned Second-team All-ACC honors. Crucially, Knueppel’s performances during the ACC Tournament, particularly when Cooper Flagg was sidelined due to injury, elevated his status. He thrived in the increased spotlight, scoring 28 points against Georgia Tech and 17 against rival North Carolina, leading Duke to their second ACC Tournament title under Coach Jon Scheyer. For his stellar play, he was named the ACC Tournament MVP, becoming only the eighth freshman to achieve this feat. He also garnered East Region All-Region Team honors after averaging 20.5 points in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. Duke’s season culminated in a remarkable 35-4 record and a run to the Final Four, where they ultimately fell to Houston.
Following his impactful freshman season, Kon Knueppel declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, opting for the “one-and-done” route. His decision was widely anticipated, given his strong collegiate performance and his clear NBA-ready skills. His inclusion in the first wave of green-room invites for the 2025 NBA Draft further solidified his rising stock, indicating that he is projected to be a potential lottery pick. Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report even predicted him to be selected as high as No. 9 overall by the Toronto Raptors, a testament to his elite shooting ability, which is always in high demand in the NBA.
Scouting reports consistently highlight Knueppel’s elite shooting as his most NBA-ready skill. He possesses deep range, excellent shot preparation, sharp mechanics, and versatile shot-making ability, excelling as both a spot-up and movement shooter. Many consider him one of the top three, if not the top, three-point shooter in his draft class. Beyond his shooting, scouts praise his high basketball IQ, strong decision-making as a secondary playmaker, and capable ball-handling. He has a good feel for the game, court vision, and plays with great pace, often making the right reads in pick-and-roll situations. Despite not being an explosive athlete, he’s an efficient finisher at the rim, utilizing pivots and pump fakes effectively, and draws fouls well, evidenced by his high free-throw percentage.
However, areas for improvement have also been identified. His biggest area for growth lies on the defensive end, where he sometimes struggles with lateral quickness and foot speed against quicker ball-handlers. While he relies on his high basketball IQ defensively, his athletic tools may not always bail him out. Questions also exist about his shot-making and scoring translation when creating his own shot, as he’s shown limited pull-up shooting in college. Yet, his work ethic and competitive spirit are consistently lauded, suggesting a strong potential for growth in these areas.
Kon Knueppel’s path from a dominant high school player in Wisconsin to a key contributor on a Final Four Duke team, and now a projected lottery pick in the NBA, is a clear example of sustained excellence. His sharpshooting, combined with his high basketball IQ and developing all-around game, position him as one of the most intriguing prospects in the upcoming draft, ready to embark on the next chapter of his promising basketball career.
