Kon Knueppel Rockets into NBA Draft Top 5: Wisconsin Star Lighting It Up at Duke
“After missing out on the Flagg sweepstakes, Utah selects the teammate of the future No. 1 overall pick out of Duke.”
That’s the latest buzz from CBS Sports, who just vaulted Wisconsin native Kon Knueppel into the top five of their 2025 NBA Draft projections.
It’s a well-earned rise for the 6-foot-6 Duke wing, who continues to turn heads with his sharpshooting, basketball IQ, and physical toughness. The Jazz according to analysts could see Knueppel as an immediate plug-and-play weapon, especially if their hopes of drafting Cooper Flagg at No. 1 fall short.
“Knueppel is a sharpshooter who would be an immediate contributor for the Jazz from Day 1,” CBS Sports wrote. “If this is how the board shakes out, I could see Utah deciding between Knueppel and (Tre) Johnson (Texas).”
Knueppel’s game is built on efficiency, poise, and feel. A three-level scorer with picture-perfect shooting mechanics, he thrives in motion-heavy offenses and routinely torches defenders off screens and in transition. In 39 games with the Blue Devils, Knueppel averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists, while shooting a scorching 47.9% from the field.
But this wasn’t just a breakout year at Duke it’s been a long time coming.
From Wisconsin Royalty to Blue Devil Brilliance
Before lighting up Cameron Indoor Stadium, Knueppel dominated the high school scene in Wisconsin. He led Wisconsin Lutheran to a Division II state championship and was crowned Wisconsin Mr. Basketball 2024, averaging 26.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.
A legacy talent with deep basketball roots—his father played at Marquette Kon’s rise was never about flash. It was about work ethic, consistency, and basketball purity. Now, he’s rising alongside projected No. 1 pick and Duke teammate Cooper Flagg, forming one of the most electric duos in college basketball.
What’s Next?
With Duke poised to make another deep tournament run and the NBA Draft drawing closer, Kon Knueppel is no longer flying under the radar. He’s not just a complementary piece he’s a top-tier prospect with the polish and production to back it up.
Utah may have missed out on Flagg, but if they land Knueppel, they’re getting a future star.
And this story? It’s only just beginning.
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