7 - Kon Knueppel

6-7, 215 Shooting Guard/Small Forward
Duke Freshman
Birthday
08/03/05 (19.7 yrs)
Hometown
Milwaukee, WI
High School
Wisconsin Lutheran
Team Site Profile
Team Site Profile
Athleticism
7
Size
8
Defense
7
Strength
8
Quickness
6
Leadership
8
Jump Shot
9
NBA Ready
8
Ball Handling
8
Potential
8
Passing
8
Intangibles
9
2025 Mock 9
Big Board 10
94 Overall:

Analysis

NBA Comparison: Chris Mullin / Jared Dudley

Strengths: Elite-level shooter whose range and quick release make him a constant perimeter threat … Shooting splits of 47.9% FG, 40.6% 3P, and 91.4% FT showcase one of the most efficient scoring profiles in college basketball … High basketball IQ and court awareness allow him to make smart, timely plays, often a step ahead of the defense … Exceptionally skilled and competitive wing who thrives in halfcourt settings … Crafty scorer who can convert at all three levels and uses fakes, angles, and strength to finish effectively at the rim despite athletic limitations … Strong frame and core strength help him absorb contact and create space, both on the perimeter and in the post … Physical toughness and competitiveness are elite, allowing him to battle on the boards and defend stronger wings … Very good vision for a wing — near 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio (2.7 A / 1.4 TO) shows his unselfishness and decision-making … Uses shot gravity to open passing lanes and draw defensive attention … Grew up a Wisconsin high school hoops legend and dominated the EYBL circuit, leading it in scoring … Has a professional approach, mature demeanor, and coachable attitude … Very efficient off-ball, understands how to relocate, use screens, and stay engaged offensively …

Weaknesses: Lacks explosiveness and plays mostly below the rim — limited vertical pop and quick-twitch athleticism … Foot speed is a concern defensively, particularly when switching onto quicker guards or defending in space … First step is average at best, making it difficult for him to consistently beat defenders in isolation … Struggles to create separation without the use of screens or misdirection … May be exposed defensively at the NBA level without team help and positioning … A below-average transition athlete — doesn’t change ends quickly or provide highlight plays in the open court … While fundamentally sound, his lateral agility limits his on-ball defense, especially against dynamic wings … Shot-heavy profile (57.1% of attempts from 3) may be less effective if not paired with stronger shot creation tools … Could become overly reliant on shooting if his physical limitations prevent him from expanding his offensive repertoire at the next level …

Outlook: Took on a starring role for Duke in the absence of Cooper Flagg, leading the Blue Devils to an ACC Tournament title and a Final Four run … Coach John Scheyer called him “the ultimate warrior,” and Knueppel backed it up with his toughness and efficiency … A high-floor prospect with an underrated ceiling due to elite feel, shooting, and strength — but will need to prove he can hold up defensively and find ways to contribute athletically in the NBA … Currently projected as a 2025 NBA lottery pick …

Aran Smith 4/8/25

Strengths: 6’7 prolific shooter … Deadeye shooter with proper mechanics and good release point. Quick release and no wasted motion in his shot. Always squared up, shoots well off the catch or dribble/step-backs as well as on the move. Very good arc with his makes finding the bottom of the net. Very successful from 3PT at a very high volume. Shot 46.7% 3PT% on 8.2 3PT attempts per game over the Nike EYBL and 39.4% 3PT% on 6.6 3PT attempts per game at the NBPA Top 100 in 2023 … Strong base and uses his body well. Plays physical and handles contact well. Good footwork, use of pivots, and fakes. Backs defenders into the post, uses spins and fadeaways over either shoulder. Good about not forcing up shots in congestion or in double-teams. Very good midrange pull-up going to his right or left. Scores at different angles and uses glass. Threat to score from anywhere on the floor with both high productivity and efficiency. Led the Nike EYBL in scoring with 22.5 points per game on 49.8% FG% and averaged 16.2 points per game on 49.2% FG% at the NBPA Top 100 in 2023 … Reliable free throw shooter. Shot 81% FT% over the Nike EYBL and 80% (4-5) FT% at the NBPA Top 100 in 2023 … Moves well off the ball and as dominant as he is, he spends a lot of time without the ball in his hands. Sets a lot of off-ball screens and shows understanding of the flow of the offense as a team. Doesn’t show tunnel vision or hunt for his own scoring … Handles the ball well and puts the ball down with purpose, good about not over-dribbling. Keeps his dribble alive under pressure and contact … Good basketball IQ and awareness. Sees the floor and passes well, making good reads out of the post and baseline drives. Understands passing angles. Keeps turnovers low and posts a plus assist to turnover. Averaged 3.5 assists to 1.6 turnovers per game over the Nike EYBL and 2 assists to 0.3 turnovers per game at the NBPA Top 100 in 2023 … Good rebounder for position. Averaged 5.5 rebounds per game over the Nike EYBL and 7 (2.6 offensive) rebounds per game at the NBPA Top 100 in 2023 … Mastered the fundamentals, good feel for the game, and plays within himself. Does everything with purpose …

Weaknesses: Doesn’t appear to have great length … Can work on toning his body … There are concerns with his athletic limitations. He’s not explosive and is a below the rim scorer. Post up and scoring opportunities in the paint project to diminish at the next levels. Doesn’t have great quickness or top-end speed. Lacks lateral quickness and struggles defensively in isolation situations against quicker players. Lower body movement isn’t as fluid as you would typically see in a 5-star wing. Played at the bottom of a 2-3 zone when I saw him on the Nike EYBL and spends a lot of time defending the post which isn’t as likely moving forward at his size …

Outlook: Duke freshman … Scored 8 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in the 2024 Jordan Brand Classic … 2024 Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year …

Evan Tomes 11/1/24

Strengths: 6’6 prolific shooter … Deadeye shooter with proper mechanics and good release point. Quick release and no wasted motion in his shot. Always squared up, shoots well off the catch or dribble/step-backs as well as on the move. Very good arc with his makes finding the bottom of the net. Very successful from 3PT at a very high volume. Shot 46.7% 3PT% on 8.2 3PT attempts per game over the Nike EYBL and 39.4% 3PT% on 6.6 3PT attempts per game at the NBPA Top 100 in 2023 … Strong base and uses his body well. Plays physical and handles contact well. Backs defenders into the post, uses spins and fadeaways over either shoulder. Good about not forcing up shots in congestion or in double-teams. Very good midrange pull-up going to his right or left. Threat to score from anywhere on the floor with both high productivity and efficiency. Led the Nike EYBL in scoring with 22.5 points per game on 49.8% FG% and averaged 16.2 points per game on 49.2% FG% at the NBPA Top 100 in 2023 … Reliable free throw shooter. Shot 81% FT% over the Nike EYBL and 80% (4-5) FT% at the NBPA Top 100 in 2023 … Moves well off the ball and as dominant as he is, he spends a lot of time without the ball in his hands. Sets a lot of off-ball screens and shows understanding of the flow of the offense as a team. Doesn’t show tunnel vision or hunt for his own scoring … Handles the ball well and puts the ball down with purpose, good about not over-dribbling. Keeps his dribble alive under pressure and contact … Good basketball IQ and awareness. Sees the floor and passes well, making good reads out of the post and baseline drives. Keeps turnovers low and posts a plus assist to turnover. Averaged 3.5 assists to 1.6 turnovers per game over the Nike EYBL and 2 assists to 0.3 turnovers per game at the NBPA Top 100 in 2023 … Good rebounder for position. Averaged 5.5 rebounds per game over the Nike EYBL and 7 (2.6 offensive) rebounds per game at the NBPA Top 100 in 2023 … Mastered the fundamentals and plays within himself …

Weaknesses: Doesn’t appear to have great length … There are concerns with his athletic limitations. He’s not explosive and is a below the rim scorer Post up and scoring opportunities in the paint project to diminish at the next levels. Doesn’t have great quickness or top-end speed. May struggle defensively in isolation situations against quicker players at the next levels. Lower body movement isn’t as fluid as you would typically see in a 5-star wing. Played at the bottom of a 2-3 zone when I saw him on the Nike EYBL and spends a lot of time defending the post which isn’t as likely moving forward at 6’6 …

Outlook: Duke commit …

Evan Tomes 11/8/23

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