Tyrese Proctor Receives Message from Kon Knueppel Following NBA Draft Selection
After three seasons at Duke, Tyrese Proctor officially began the next chapter of his basketball journey when he was selected in the 2025 NBA Draft. And while the moment marked a personal milestone for the Australian guard, it also sparked messages of celebration from across the Duke basketball community — including from a fellow Blue Devil, Kon Knueppel.
Shortly after Proctor’s name was called, Knueppel, a freshman standout from the 2024-25 squad who declared for the draft himself earlier this spring, took to social media to share a message of admiration and appreciation for his former teammate.
“Couldn’t be happier for my brother TP,” Knueppel wrote on his Instagram story. “One of the best teammates and leaders I’ve ever been around. Deserves everything coming his way.”
Proctor, who reclassified to join Duke early and became a mainstay in Jon Scheyer’s starting lineup, played a vital role in the Blue Devils’ steady rise under the new head coach. His final season saw Duke reach the Final Four, marking the program’s deepest NCAA Tournament run since 2015. Throughout his time in Durham, Proctor became known for his poise, playmaking, and commitment to team growth — qualities that clearly left an impression on younger players like Knueppel.
Knueppel, a versatile wing and five-star recruit in the 2024 class, credited veterans like Proctor throughout the season for helping ease his transition into college basketball. Now, as both guards prepare to take on the professional ranks, the mutual respect between them remains strong.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer also reflected on Proctor’s journey after his draft selection, praising his development and leadership across three seasons. “Tyrese’s impact goes far beyond the box score,” Scheyer said in a post-draft statement. “He’s been a foundational piece of our culture, and we’re all proud to see him take this next step.”
As the NBA welcomes its newest rookie class, the bond between former Blue Devils like Proctor and Knueppel serves as a reminder of the lasting connections forged in Durham — connections that endure well beyond Cameron Indoor.
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