The Charlotte Hornets selecting Duke star Kon Knueppel at No. 4 shocked many, but the Blue Devils’ three-point specialist managed to impress the team and is staying in North Carolina for his rookie season. Now a former Duke star, the new Hornets guard opened up to local North Carolina news outlet WCNC about his selection.
During the interview, Knueppel was asked if it had sunk in that he is now an NBA player who will be suiting up for the Charlotte Hornets next season.
“I think it has,” Kon Knueppel told WCNC. “Seeing the other guys picked, seeing them and and getting getting texts from all the others, all my other teammates has been really cool, and it feels good to be a part of a team again.”
He was then asked about his hunt for his next big trophy, with him being asked if he is “never satisfied.”
“I think that’s something I try to reflect later,” answered Knueppel. “It is hard for me to, you know, to feel satisfied, I guess. So even after the draft like I’m just ready to get back here Wednesday and and start getting to work, get ready for summer league. It’s always the next thing.”
Knueppel is part of the elite Duke Blue Devils team, whose starting five were all selected during the NBA draft. Three of them, including Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach, were selected within the Top 10. He also talked about that team and said he feels very honored to be a part of that historic team, and praised head coach Jon Scheyer for the work that he did for them.
ESPN Analyst All Praises For Incoming Charlotte Hornets Rookie Kon Knueppel
In an interview with WCNC, ESPN analyst Paul Biancardi also talked about Kon Knueppel and was all praises for the Charlotte Hornets draftee.
“In my mind, the best pure shooter in the draft,” Biancardi told the outlet. “He’s a floor spacer, great catch-and-shoot guy, very good passer. Those are his elite skills: shooting and passing. He’s somebody that brings functionality to the offense. Probably has one of the highest IQs in this draft.”
Knueppel helped the Duke Blue Devils reach the Final Four last season, with him being the team’s primary outside threat. The Hornets’ rookie averaged 14.4 points, four rebounds and 2.7 assists per game as a freshman at Duke.
Related: Cooper Flagg Turns Heads at Duke Camp With Bold New Look Ahead of 2025 NBA Draft
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