{"id":132954,"date":"2025-05-13T08:30:40","date_gmt":"2025-05-13T12:30:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=132954"},"modified":"2025-05-04T10:34:19","modified_gmt":"2025-05-04T14:34:19","slug":"kon-knueppel-2025-nba-draft-desmond-bane","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/05\/13\/kon-knueppel-2025-nba-draft-desmond-bane\/","title":{"rendered":"Kon Knueppel 2025 NBA Draft Profile"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kon Knueppel<\/a> had a sensational freshman season in Durham for the Duke Blue Devils. He really shocked people from day one but quickly became Duke’s most reliable option next to Cooper Flagg<\/a>. Now, Kon Knueppel is ready for the NBA Draft.<\/p>\n

Kon Knueppel 2025 NBA Draft Profile<\/h2>\n

College Career<\/h3>\n

Knueppel came in under the radar after not being named a McDonalds All-American but he quickly shot up draft boards as scouts flocked to Durham to see summer workouts. Knueppel started slowly but he very quickly proved why scouts were raving over him.<\/a><\/p>\n

Knueppel ended the season averaging 14.4 points per game, 4.0 rebounds per game, and 2.7 assists per game. He flashed as both a playmaker and scorer earning 2nd<\/sup> team All-ACC honors. Additionally, he took home ACC tournament MVP while Flagg was sidelined. Kon shot 40.6% from three on nearly six threes per game after a slow start prior to ACC play. At 6\u20197 217 pounds, he is a big bodied guard.<\/p>\n

\"Kon
Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel (7) shoots against Houston Cougars guard Emanuel Sharp (21) in the semifinals of the men’s Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Strengths<\/h3>\n

Without a doubt, Knueppel\u2019s greatest strength is his three point shooting ability. He did start slow but ultimately he became the best shooter in the ACC quickly. Kon found himself with the ball in his hands often as a primary playmaker<\/a> but he also flourished off flare screens with Cooper Flagg. Additionally, he is great with his feet set and is always ready to hit a spot up three. The release is extremely quick and he understands how to use his body to create space. Very Klay Thompson<\/a>-esque in his release.<\/p>\n

Probably a bit more surprising for fans was Knueppel\u2019s playmaking ability. Duke walked into the season with no true playmaking point guard. As the season went on, Knueppel often was the one that found the ball in his hands when plays needed to be made. That shows a lot of confidence and trust from Scheyer and company. Knueppel averaged 2.7 assists per game and only 1.4 \u00a0turnovers per game for a great A\/T ratio. Often, he and Flagg would take turns initiating the offense.<\/p>\n

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\ud83c\udfafSome Kon Knueppel tourney drives\ud83c\udfaf<\/p>\n

Incredible \u201cquick patience.\u201d Kon is never sped up but always decisive. Gets to his spots through clean feet and comfort dragging defenders with him.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s so, so good. More clips coming on b sky, as always. Ep this week with @bgeis_bird<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/bcp3dIBQHD<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Chucking Darts NBA & Draft Podcast (@ChuckingDarts) April 5, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n