Duke freshman Kon Knueppel, the 6-foot-7 wing who starred next to Cooper Flagg this past season, has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, he announced on X on Wednesday.
Forever a Blue Devil. Taking the Brotherhood with me to the next chapter. #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/bE09xX1Dzo
— Kon II Knueppel (@Kon2Knueppel) April 16, 2025
The Milwaukee native is a projected top-10 pick in this year’s draft, according to The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie, after posting a standout year for the Blue Devils. In 39 games, Knueppel averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists on a solid 47.9 percent shooting from the field in just over 30 minutes per game. He primarily made a name for himself as one of the nation’s top 3-point shooters, connecting on 40.6 percent of his shots from distance, and was a 91.4 percent free-throw shooter.
Those numbers helped Knueppel earn a spot on the second-team All-ACC list, and he was a big part of the Blue Devils capturing a record 23rd ACC title after defeating Louisville in March.
Knueppel’s shooting ability from distance gifted the Blue Devils the ability to spread the floor and make it difficult for teams to guard, especially when it came to the attention Flagg drew. As equally important, it kept Knueppel’s draft stock high. Knueppel’s ability to spot-up and knock down open 3s is attractive to NBA teams, and his high IQ and willingness to defend are an added plus. While his footwork on the defensive side of the ball holds a question mark for the next level, his other attributes are strong enough.
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Knueppel starred at Duke from Day 1
At any other program this season, Knueppel would’ve unequivocally been a team’s 1A option — but playing alongside future No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg gave Knueppel the luxury of being the Robin to Flagg’s Batman, which he did marvelously. The best example of that dynamic? When Flagg went down with a sprained ankle during the ACC tournament, forcing Knueppel into a singular starring role.
The wing didn’t miss a beat, leading Duke to the championship while earning tournament MVP honors. If there was any doubt about Knueppel’s ability to thrive sans Flagg and his on-court gravity, that three-game stretch more than answered that question.
But frankly, Knueppel was a stud for Duke all season, and was as key a reason as any that the Blue Devils made the Final Four for the first time under Jon Scheyer. Knueppel arrived at Duke as a five-star, top-20 talent with the pedigree of an elite shooter, but quickly proved over the summer that he was more than just a floor-spacer. Rave reviews in the preseason brought NBA scouts scurrying to Durham, and many left convinced that Knueppel was Duke’s second-best player — a sentiment he more than backed up during his freshman season.
While many of the Blue Devils’ other talents — like 7-foot-2 freshman big Khaman Maluach and Tulane transfer Sion James — needed time to adjust early in the season, Knueppel came out guns blazing and never really cooled off. — Brendan Marks, Duke college basketball writer
Knueppel’s strength and build qualify him for next level
Knueppel’s own assessment of his game from the preseason is perhaps the best way to describe how he plays: “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” Knueppel is a fine athlete who has more than adequate size to be an NBA wing, but it’s his deceleration and body control that make him special.
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The Wisconsin native isn’t in the same class of player as Luka Dončić, but NBA scouts who watched Knueppel in person this season brought up Dončić’s build and body control/ability to create space as similar. Knueppel grew up playing against older, stronger players in his father’s men’s league, and that savviness is one of the reasons he projects as an instant-impact NBA rookie.
Statistically, Knueppel was a top-15 free-throw shooter in the country this season, and his 3-point percentage more than affirms his status as a knockdown shooter. But what separates Knueppel from other wing prospects is how he contributes across the board. He was third on Duke’s roster in assists and steals, fourth in rebounds, and was one of just two every-game starters.
He regularly dove for loose balls — even when the Blue Devils held a healthy lead — and put his body on the line to help Duke win. He’ll never be the most athletic player on the court, but Knueppel’s all-around impact makes him one of the surest NBA prospects coming out of college this season. — Marks
(Photo: Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)
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