Duke freshman star Knueppel to go into NBA draft

• Jonathan GivonyApr 16, 2025, 12:19 PM ET Close NBA draft expert and writer Joined ESPN.com in July 2017
  Founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a personal searching and analytics service utilized by NBA, NCAA and worldwide teams

Duke freshman Kon Knueppel announced Wednesday on social media that he will go into the 2025 NBA draft and forgo his remaining college eligibility.Knueppel, the No. 8 prospect

in ESPN’s NBA draft forecasts, was Duke’s second-leading scorer this season behind Cooper Flagg, balancing 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game while shooting 40.6%from 3-point range.He was named to the ACC All-Freshman team and All-ACC junior varsity and assisted lead heaven Devils to the Final Four, where they lost in the semifinals to Houston.Editor’s Picks Knueppel stepped up in a major way in the ACC tournament when Flagg decreased early in the quarterfinals with an ankle injury,

posting 63 points, 17 rebounds and 14 helps in 3 games to assist Duke win the title, being named tournament MVP.He played an essential role in Duke’s 35-4 season, carrying considerable shot-creation responsibilities while spacing the floor effectively and holding his own defensively. He is an impressive passer and saw quite a bit of offense operating out of pick-and-roll. He formed a special tandem with Duke center Khaman Maluach, discovering him 24 times this season for lob dunks. Knueppel brings a mix of competitiveness, feel for the game and adaptability that will likely make him a smooth fit on any NBA roster.Hailing from Milwaukee, Knueppel wasn’t called to in 2015’s McDonald’s All American Video game regardless of leading the Nike EYBL grassroots circuit in scoring for 3 straight years at the 15U, 16U and 17U levels with Phenom University. He was named Wisconsin Gamer of the Year as a senior.His mom, Chari, is still the all-time leading scorer at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, while his father, likewise called Kon, scored more than 2,000 points at Division III Wisconsin Lutheran College.The NBA draft combine will be held May 11-18 in Chicago, and the draft will be June 25-26 in New York.Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft specialist and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a personal scouting and analytics service utilized by NBA, NCAA and worldwide groups.