Another Duke freshman standout has officially announced his decision to leave college basketball and pursue a professional career, marking the end of a remarkable one-year run with the Blue Devils. The 19-year-old guard/forward was praised by the Duke program’s social media as a “competitor, winner, bucket-getter, and playmaker,” a fitting tribute to the impact he made in his lone season at Durham.
Head coach Jon Scheyer also offered high praise for him, acknowledging both his talent and grit: “I loved having Kon in our program. I’m so proud of him and what he accomplished this season. He never backed down from the moments that demanded toughness and execution. He made winning plays consistently.”
His contributions during the 2024–25 campaign were nothing short of impressive. The 6-foot-7, 217-pound Wisconsin native was a vital piece in a dominant Duke squad that went 35-4, captured the ACC regular-season and tournament titles, and advanced to the Final Four. His smooth offensive game translated to the stat sheet—he averaged 14.4 points per game on stellar efficiency, shooting 47.9% from the floor, 40.8% from three-point range, and an elite 91.4% from the free-throw line.
His performances earned him a spot on the All-ACC Second Team, All-Freshman Team, and the prestigious title of ACC Tournament MVP. Kon Knueppel’s poise and maturity beyond his years quickly made him a fan favorite and a locker room leader, even as a freshman.
Now projected as a lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft alongside fellow Duke stars Cooper Flagg and Khaman Maluach, Knueppel’s next chapter begins with professional basketball. Despite the early departure, his loyalty to the program remains strong.
“Forever a Blue Devil,” Knueppel wrote in his farewell post. “Taking the Brotherhood with me to the next chapter.”
Knueppel’s exit leaves a significant hole in Duke’s rotation, but also reinforces the program’s growing reputation as a launchpad for top NBA talent.
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