Kon Knueppel Declares for the NBA Draft: The First Domino Falls

By Mary John

In a move that has reverberated through the college basketball world, Duke freshman Kon Knueppel has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft. The announcement, while expected by many close to the program, marks a pivotal moment not only for Knueppel’s budding career but also for a Duke team that now braces for the departure of one of its most intelligent and efficient offensive weapons.

Knueppel, a 6-foot-7, 215-pound wing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, took the ACC by storm in his freshman campaign. Known for his poised demeanor, high basketball IQ, and deadly shooting stroke, Knueppel brought an old-school polish to a modern game. He was the type of player that didn’t just fill a box score — he controlled pace, made timely plays, and did the little things that helped Duke win games. With his draft declaration, he now begins a new chapter in what many believe will be a long and successful professional career.

A Season of Steady Brilliance

Arriving in Durham with considerable buzz as Wisconsin’s Mr. Basketball and a consensus top-30 national recruit, Knueppel was initially seen as a complementary piece in a star-studded recruiting class that featured projected top-3 pick Cooper Flagg and 7-foot phenom Khaman Maluach. But as the season unfolded, Knueppel made it clear: he wasn’t just along for the ride.

In 39 games, Knueppel averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting an elite 50.2% from the field, including 40.7% from beyond the arc. He was Duke’s most consistent perimeter threat, often drawing the toughest defensive assignments and still managing to find his spots offensively.

What separated Knueppel from many of his peers, however, was his efficiency and decision-making. He rarely forced shots, played within the flow of the offense, and seemed to always make the right read—whether that was hitting a shooter in the corner, curling into the lane for a floater, or spacing out for a knockdown three. There was a maturity to his game that belied his age.

Stepping Up When It Mattered Most

Though solid all year, Knueppel’s breakout moment came in March, when Cooper Flagg suffered an ankle injury ahead of the ACC Tournament. With the team’s centerpiece sidelined, the Blue Devils needed someone to take on a bigger load. Knueppel answered the call.

Over three games in the tournament, he averaged 21 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, leading Duke to the title and earning ACC Tournament MVP honors. He wasn’t flashy — his handle wasn’t flashy, and he didn’t have the vertical explosiveness of other one-and-done stars. But he was surgical. He made contested jumpers, smart entry passes, and grabbed tough rebounds in traffic. He was unshakable.

His tournament play not only solidified his place in Duke lore but also catapulted his NBA draft stock. Suddenly, Knueppel wasn’t just a future pro — he was a likely lottery pick.

A Player Built on Fundamentals

Knueppel’s skillset is deeply rooted in fundamentals. Unlike many of today’s wing prospects who rely heavily on athleticism, Knueppel plays with pace, angles, and precision. He’s comfortable off the ball, using screens to generate space. He’s adept at reading defenders, taking what they give him, and punishing overplays.

One of his greatest strengths is his ability to shoot on the move. Whether it’s a pin-down, flare screen, or a dribble handoff, Knueppel excels in catch-and-shoot scenarios. But he’s more than just a shooter. His footwork and use of hesitation dribbles allow him to get to his spots inside the arc, and his passing is both timely and creative.

Defensively, he’s solid. While he doesn’t have elite lateral quickness, he compensates with anticipation, positioning, and effort. He’s the kind of defender who won’t rack up steals or blocks, but he won’t give up easy ones either.

The Intangibles: Leadership, Composure, and Grit

Coaches rave about his basketball IQ and demeanor. Throughout the season, Knueppel emerged as a calming presence on the court. When the pace got hectic or the team faced adversity, he slowed things down, made the extra pass, and kept teammates focused. In many ways, he was the team’s emotional thermostat.

His leadership was especially evident in the locker room. Despite being a freshman, Knueppel reportedly took on a vocal role during practices and film sessions. He wasn’t afraid to challenge veterans or call for accountability. It was clear from early on: he wasn’t just there to learn—he was there to lead.

NBA Outlook: Strengths and Areas for Growth

As he transitions to the next level, scouts see a lot to like. His size, shooting ability, and intelligence make him a plug-and-play role player with starter potential in the NBA. He fits seamlessly into modern offensive systems that prioritize spacing and movement.

Here’s a breakdown of how he profiles:

Strengths:

• Elite shooting mechanics: One of the best spot-up shooters in college basketball
• High basketball IQ: Makes quick decisions, understands floor spacing, rarely turns it over
• Positional size: At 6’7” with a strong frame, can guard wings and stretch the floor
• Versatility: Can play shooting guard or small forward, and potentially serve as a secondary ball-handler

Areas to Improve:

• Lateral quickness: Will need to improve foot speed to guard elite wings at the next level
• Explosiveness: Finishing through contact in the NBA will be more difficult; strength and verticality need refinement
• On-ball creation: Not a natural isolation scorer; will benefit from playing within structured sets

Still, his skill set is tailor-made for today’s NBA. Teams in the late lottery to mid-first round could view him as an immediate contributor and long-term asset.

The First Domino Falls

Knueppel’s declaration may be the first big name from the 2024–25 college class to officially turn pro, but it won’t be the last. His departure signals the beginning of what will likely be a wave of announcements from fellow freshmen, including Duke teammates and other top talents across the country.

But while others may follow, there’s something fitting about Knueppel going first. His game, after all, has always been about timing. Quiet. Efficient. Always one step ahead.

In declaring now, he’s not just chasing his dream — he’s making a statement: He’s ready.

A Thank You to the Fans

Shortly after making his announcement public, Knueppel shared a heartfelt message on social media thanking the Duke community:

“This season has meant everything to me. From the moment I stepped on campus, the support from the fans, my teammates, and coaches has been overwhelming. I came to Duke to grow as a player and a person, and I can say without a doubt I’ve done both. I’ll always be a Blue Devil. Thank you, Duke Nation.”

The message, like the player, was humble and to the point — no fanfare, no dramatic farewell video, just gratitude.

A Legacy Begins

Though his time in Durham was brief, Knueppel leaves behind a legacy defined by consistency, character, and class. He may not have been the loudest voice in the room or the most electric athlete on the court, but he was the heartbeat of a team that captured the ACC title and made a deep tournament run.

As he moves on to the NBA, Knueppel does so not just with the respect of scouts, but with the admiration of his peers, coaches, and fans. He represented everything that’s right about college basketball — and everything that pro teams hope to find in a young player.

Final Word

Kon Knueppel’s declaration for the 2025 NBA Draft is more than a transaction — it’s the next step in a story that’s still being written. From Milwaukee gyms to Cameron Indoor Stadium, and soon to an NBA arena near you, Knueppel’s game speaks volumes.

One domino has fallen. The journey continues.