Meet NBA draft prospect Kon Knueppel, the other Duke star you’re not talking enough about
Kon Knueppel, the 6-foot-7 freshman from Duke, has quietly surfaced as a top-10 pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft—but he still flies under the radar behind the marquee name of Cooper Flagg. Averaging 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting a scorching 40.6% from three (and 91.4% from the free‑throw line), Knueppel established himself as Duke’s second-leading scorer en route to a Final Four appearance .
Knueppel’s strengths shine in his exceptional shooting mechanics and high basketball IQ. Scouts note his textbook form and balance make his jumpers reliable, while his capacity as a playmaking wing—with crisp passes and smart decision-making—adds another dimension to his game . NBC Sports Philly highlights that his jumper “makes open jumpers look quite easy,” and his free‑throw shooting (91.4%) marks him as one of the most efficient scorers in the NCAA .
However, athletic limitations temper the buzz. While his vertical leap surprised at the combine, his lateral quickness and burst are considered average. Some scouts caution his defensive ceiling may be limited due to lesser explosiveness on the perimeter .
Despite that, draft buzz is strong. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony lists him in the top 5–8 picks, with franchises like Charlotte, Utah, Brooklyn, and Philadelphia showing interest . He’s already locked in a draft green-room invite, confirming his first-round credentials .
Knueppel’s story has roots beyond college—Milwaukee native, state champ, and Wisconsin Mr. Basketball—reflecting a player shaped by discipline and fundamentals . As mock drafts continue to rank him between picks 3 and 8, his consistent shooting and cerebral game offer a high-floor profile for NBA teams seeking a stable, two-way wing.
In short, Kon Knueppel may not grab the headlines like Flagg, but his polished skills and proven performance could make him the draft’s smartest long-term bet—one you’ll be hearing about a lot more soon.
