Duke University freshman Kon Knueppel dropped some major news. He will be declaring for the NBA Draft after his breakout game in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) tournament. At the tournament, Knueppel put on a breathtaking display of skill. He averaged an astonishing 63 points, 17 rebounds, and 14 assists in three games, carrying Duke to victory and earning the championship MVP honor. His remarkable performance during the tournament guided him to being crowned the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Born in Milwaukee, Knueppel has embodied a unique basketball background, with both parents having paved successful careers in the game. His mother, Chari, was the all-time leading scorer at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. In the meantime, his dad, Kon, achieved local legend status for netting more than 2,000 points in his own collegiate career at Division III Wisconsin Lutheran College. That deep basketball pedigree has certainly had an impact on Knueppel’s competitive edge and skillset on the court.
Knueppel’s versatility and even deeper understanding of the game have combined to lift him into an otherworldly player this season. He went on to be Duke’s second-leading scorer, averaging 14.4 points along with 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Perhaps most eye-popping about his year is the fact that he shot 40.6% from three, which cements much of his value as a potential NBA prospect. His combination of competitiveness and feel for the game suggests he could seamlessly integrate into any NBA roster.
Although he wasn’t chosen to participate in last year’s McDonald’s All-American Game, Knueppel’s high school resume is hard to argue against. He was a man among boys on the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) grassroots circuit. For three straight years he led in scoring at the 15U, 16U, and 17U levels playing for Phenom University. These achievements have been instrumental throughout his basketball experience.
Knueppel’s recent tear for Brookfield Central has raised him significantly in the minds of scouts and analysts across the country. He is currently ranked as the No. 8 prospect in ESPN’s NBA draft projections, reflecting his growing reputation as a player with significant potential. His success in college basketball has undoubtedly set him up for an incredibly bright professional future. He is currently excited about moving forward in his career.
Leave a Reply