Kon Knueppel, the Duke basketball standout, is on the cusp of realizing his NBA dream. As he prepares for the 2025 NBA Draft, Knueppel took time at the ESPN Combine to reflect on his remarkable journey with the Blue Devils, his championship triumphs, and the family legacy that has shaped his path.
Kon Knueppel’s Duke Legacy: Championship Triumphs and NBA Aspirations Unveiled
Knueppel’s lone season at Duke was extraordinary. As a freshman, he played a key role in leading the Blue Devils to an ACC Tournament championship. When his teammate and projected No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg went down with an ankle injury during the tournament.
Knueppel seized the opportunity to deliver a masterful performance, averaging 21 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists over the final three games, earning him ACC Tournament MVP honors.
Reflecting on his mindset during the stretch, he emphasized his competitive nature and desire to win. “I think somebody that is just really competitive and wants to win. That’s most important,” he said during the interview.
Kon Knueppel joined the ESPN Combine broadcast, sharing some really cool tidbits from his time at Duke as well as his incredible family background. pic.twitter.com/olTiIY5ltk
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 17, 2025
Over the season, he averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting an impressive 40.6% from three-point range. With his ability to stretch the floor and make smart plays, he quickly became a cornerstone of Duke’s offense.
Coming into the program, he had modest goals. “I just wanted to go in there and play and contribute,” he recalled. “That was my goal in the summer, to be able to earn minutes. And obviously, I did that and got a little bit bigger role than maybe I would have anticipated.”
His impact exceeded expectations, which, of course, has set him the stage for NBA aspirations.
From Blue Devil to NBA Prospect: Knueppel’s Combine Insights and Family Basketball Heritage
At the ESPN Combine, he got a taste of the NBA evaluation process, though an ankle injury sidelined him from some of the physical testing.
“I wish I would have been able to do some of the testing,” he admitted. “That’s probably the biggest surprise, just not being able to do that. You feel a little left out, but I mean, this week’s been great.”
While he couldn’t showcase his athleticism, he made an impression in team interviews, displaying the maturity and basketball IQ that defined his college career.
Growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he was surrounded by the game. His mother, Chari Knueppel, remains the gold standard in the family; her jersey is retired as the all-time leading scorer at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
“I’ll still give it to mom,” Knueppel said when asked who the best player in the family is. She’s a more accomplished college player, so I’ll give it to her.”
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His father, also named Kon, starred at Wisconsin Lutheran College, surpassing 2,000 career points. Beyond that, Knueppel’s dad and uncles dominated the Gus Macker three-on-three circuit, winning national titles and leaving a mark on the Milwaukee basketball scene.
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