After a strong summer of work, Duke freshman Kon Knueppel has vaulted himself into the top 10 conversations for the 2025 draft. The five-star wing from Wisconsin has hit the ground running early in the season, playing like one of the best scorers in the freshman class.
Knueppel is a decorated high-school scorer and shotmaker, posting elite efficiency on high volume throughout his high school career. In a class filled with elite shooters, Knueppel is one of the best. He’s a throwback, pace and timing-based creator with sharp vision.
For a Duke team that hopes to contend for an NCAA title, Knueppel's thriving will be critical. Early in his career, Knueppel seems to be acclimating smoothly to college hoops. Against Army, Knueppel dropped 15 points (79% true shooting, 5/9), with two assists, two boards, and a steal.
Following a 22-point outing in his first game against Maine, Knueppel continued his scoring ways, especially as a shooter. He’s continuing his shooting success early in his career, draining four threes against Army.
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Kon Knueppel offense: A sharpshooting creator and Duke's most versatile offering
Knueppel probably won’t shoot 50% from three on the season, but his volume, shot versatility and touch are all encouraging indicators. He’s firing a huge 13.2 threes per 100 possessions across his first two Duke games. When the ball swings to Knueppel, his smooth jumper usually connects in open space:
Even contests don’t bother Knueppel much, as his high, quick release lets him shoot over them. At 6’7, Knueppel still drains shots with ease even when defenders sprint at him. His confidence in these shots is clear.
He’s more than just a spot-up shooter; Knueppel sprints off of screens to hit movement jumpers. This adds even more role versatility to his profile, unlocking more off-ball utility. Knueppel sets his feet quickly and fires away after sprinting across the court:
When defenders run Knueppel off of the line, he’ll sidestep and pull up in their grills. He’s a confident, rangy off-dribble shooter, comfortable rising over contests and creating space with his handle to score. He scorches his defender on this closeout, always attacking decisively before stepping back into the three:
Knueppel counters with the pass at a high level, capable of punishing defenders who commit to his scoring. He didn’t pass much in the Army game but Knueppel has shown the ability to pass out of the pick-and-roll and make high-level reads in the past.
Without the ball, his high feel and quick processing speed let Knueppel zip the ball around the court and continue the advantages his teammates create. Two Army defenders stunt out at Knueppel, so he swings the ball to Cooper Flagg for a wide-open three:
Even when Knueppel can’t create space — he’s not always the most sudden, explosive driver — he’ll rarely force the issue. Knueppel knows when to press and when to reset the offense. Backing out after a failed drive on this next clip. He sets a wide screen right after the pass, freeing up Tyrese Proctor for a three
What is Kon Knueppel's ceiling?
Those creation limitations are noteworthy when discussing Knueppel’s ultimate NBA ceiling. He seems a bit more sudden and explosive than he did last summer but he’ll likely never be a potent rim pressure applicant. He only shot one free throw in this game, struggling to force defenders to foul.
On the first play of the game, Knueppel drove to the hoop only to have his shot blocked. He sets up the drive well with hesitation, but sometimes lacks the lift to fit balls over and around defenders in traffic:
Defenders can pressure Knueppel’s handle, sending doubles and aggressive defenders to force turnovers. Knueppel won’t have to handle doubles much given his wealth of perimeter talent at Duke. At the NBA level, Knueppel will likely thrive mostly as an off-ball shooter and secondary attacker.
But handling primary offensive attention will matter in determining his ultimate creation ceiling. For the moment, he’s vulnerable to strong digs and swipes at the ball:
When Knueppel does manage his way downhill, his size and touch help him carve space and finish at the rim. Despite his lack of vertical athleticism, Knueppel’s craft allows him to score at the basket. The dribble handoff helps create a lane and Knueppel squeezes in the finish for the and one:
Despite the aforementioned physical limitations, Knueppel succeeds on defense with his intelligence and size. He’s never generated turnovers at a high rate, likely due to his lack of quick-twitch explosion and length. But Knueppel is a disruptive team defender nonetheless.
He positions himself in the thick of actions where he can disrupt and alter plans. Knueppel rotates in the paint to protect the rim here, forcing a kick out and helping Flagg deflect the ball out of bounds:
On this defensive possession, Knueppel’s defender initially shakes him with a spin move. Knueppel doesn’t give up on the play, though, recognizing his teammates stepping up to help. This leaves the baseline cutter wide open, but Knueppel reads the play and slides down to force a pass:
Summary of Kon Knueppel through his first 2 games
Through two games, Knueppel’s point-of-attack defense has been impressive. He’s moving more fluidly than he did in high school, providing some encouragement for his future defensive versatility. Here, Knueppel turns and chases to contest this shot with his length and force a miss:
Knueppel is playing like a top 10 pick at this point in the season. It’s far too early to make definitive conclusions, but Knueppel’s pre-college sample corroborates the new evidence. His versatile scoring and high feel for two-way impact should let him slot on any team in the NBA without trouble.