The 2024-25 college basketball season was nothing short of electric for the Duke Blue Devils. Powered by the star duo of Cooper Flagg and Khaman Maluach, Duke stormed their way into the Final Four with elite-level performances. Flagg dropped an impressive 27 points in the National Semifinal against Houston. However, it wasn’t enough, as the Blue Devils fell agonizingly short in a 67-70 thriller on Sunday, April 5.
While the spotlight often followed the frontcourt giants, there was another key figure helping steer the ship from the backcourt: Kon Knueppel. Now, with the season behind him, the sharp-shooting guard has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft.
Let’s break down the stats that document his rise to the spotlight.
The Rise of Duke’s Kon Knueppel
Before suiting up for Duke, Knueppel was already making waves in the high school basketball scene. In his senior year, he averaged a staggering 26.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game in the regular season, and for this performance, he was given the “Wisconsin Mr. Basketball” Title.
Rated as a four-star recruit by ESPN, it was no surprise when he committed to Duke, joining a stacked 2024 recruiting class headlined by Flagg and Maluach.
Knueppel’s freshman season with Duke didn’t disappoint, as he averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 40.6% from three-point range and 47.9% from the field. This showed the 19-year-old’s ability to stretch the floor and made him an essential weapon in Duke’s offensive system.
One of his most memorable performances came on March 13 matchup against Georgia Tech, where he helped his team to clinch a win (78-70) by scoring 28 points and eight assists. During the Final Four game against Houston, he achieved 16 points, although his efforts to secure victory were in vain.
“I thought we had a phenomenal year. It was a joy to be a part of. I would just hope that the fans and everybody appreciate how we gave it our all every night and appreciate how we play together,” Knueppel said after the Final Four game.
With Knueppel setting his sights on the 2025 NBA Draft, scouts are already buzzing about his pro potential. With elite shooting mechanics, strong fundamentals, and experience playing under pressure on college basketball’s biggest stage, he’s shaping up to be a steal for whichever team lands him in June during the 2025 Draft.
But before he goes to the NBA, Knueppel has a message for his team.
Knueppel shares Message of Gratitude for His Team
In today’s NBA, there’s a rule that players can declare for the draft after playing just one year of college basketball. Knueppel also capitalized on this opportunity.
While making his draft declaration, Knueppel also shared a heartfelt message to his team, expressing gratitude for the journey.
“Forever a Blue Devil. Taking the Brotherhood with me to the next chapter,” Knueppel wrote as a parting message on Instagram on Tuesday, April 14.
During his lone season at Duke, Knueppel made a significant impact and was named to the All-ACC Freshman Team.
As he prepares for the next chapter, the Milwaukee-native leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered by Duke fans for years to come.
