Cooper Flagg, Sion James, and more show love as Kon Knueppel makes NBA Draft decision: "My brother"

Modified Apr 16, 2025 17:26 GMT

NCAA Basketball: Final Four National Semifinal-Houston at Duke - Source: Imagn

Duke freshman phenom Kon Kneuppel has announced his plans for next season. The guard took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a photo dump from his sole season with the Blue Devils and share his intent to declare for the NBA Draft.

"Forever a Blue Devil. Taking the Brotherhood with me to the next chapter. #NBADraft," Knueppel's Instagram caption read.

Current and future Duke stars shared their support for Knueppel in the comments.

"Love you kid," Duke guard Sion James said.

"Go be great brother," Blue Devils recuit Nikolas Khamenia commented.

"My brother💙," fellow freshman star Cooper Flagg said.

"🙏," Duke's Darren Harris commented.

Current and future Duke players show support for Kon Knueppel on IG

What Kon Knueppel brings to the 2025 NBA Draft

Knueppel is the newest addition to Duke's one-and-done club. Fellow freshman phenom Flagg is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, but has yet to announce his plans. Duke knows it will be without one of its freshman stars next season in Knueppel, who is also expected to be a first-round pick.

In his sole season with the Blue Devils, Knueppel was the team's second-highest scorer with 14.4 points per game. He added 4.0 average rebounds and 2.7 assists and showed defensive potential with 1.0 steals per game.

Knueppel started in all 39 games for Duke and got to serve as the squad's star during the ACC Tournament. Flagg sprained his ankle in the Blue Devils' first conference tournament matchup and was sidelined for the rest of the tournament.

Knueppel stepped up in his absence and led his team to an ACC Tournament championship, resulting in him being named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

The guard played some of his best basketball in the postseason as he helped lead Duke on a March Madness run to the Final Four. He shot 53.7% from the field in the NCAA Tournament, including an impressive 55.6% from beyond the arc. Both were significant increases from his regular-season stats.

At 6'7", Knueppel is a sizable guard. He's efficient, athletic, and has a high ceiling as an NBA prospect. His defensive depth will need to be further developed in the league, but Knueppel proved himself as a difference-maker in his freshman season at Duke. His skill set should translate nicely to the NBA.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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Edited by Gio Vergara