Duke Star Didn’t Get Into Basketball Until His Mom Bought Him ‘NBA Jam’
Kon Knueppel, a rising basketball star at Duke University, has captivated fans with his impressive skills on the court, but his journey to the sport was anything but typical. While many athletes start playing basketball at a young age, Knueppel’s entry into the game began through an unexpected source—his mom’s purchase of the iconic video game, NBA Jam.
For Knueppel, basketball wasn’t always the sport of choice. Like many kids, he dabbled in a variety of activities, but it wasn’t until his mom bought him NBA Jam, an arcade-style basketball game, that he found himself drawn into the world of hoops. The game, first released in the early 1990s, became an instant classic for its over-the-top, high-flying gameplay and its exaggerated, larger-than-life depictions of basketball players. It was a game that not only captured the spirit of the NBA but also sparked an intense fascination with basketball itself in the young Kon.
“I didn’t really get into basketball until I started playing NBA Jam,” Knueppel shared. “My mom got me the game when I was about 8 years old, and that’s when I started learning about all the different teams and players. It was kind of like a gateway for me. I saw how much fun it was, and I wanted to play for real.”
At the time, Knueppel wasn’t even aware of the finer details of the game. The dazzling dunks, exaggerated slam dunks, and buzzer-beaters in NBA Jam filled him with excitement and curiosity. The fast-paced action of the video game made basketball seem accessible and thrilling, and soon, he found himself mimicking the moves and strategies he saw in the game on the playground.
What started as casual interest grew into a full-fledged passion. Kon began watching real NBA games and learning the rules, intricacies, and strategies of basketball. His competitive nature kicked in, and it wasn’t long before he joined local leagues and started playing at a more serious level. The transition from virtual hoops to the real thing was seamless for him, as his time spent playing NBA Jam had already instilled a deep appreciation for the sport.
As he honed his skills on the court, it became clear that Knueppel had natural talent. His hand-eye coordination, fostered through hours spent playing the video game, translated into his real-life game, where he quickly became known for his sharp shooting and impressive agility. Coaches took notice of his unique skill set, and his rise through the ranks of high school basketball was swift. By the time he graduated, Knueppel was a highly sought-after recruit, with his decision to play for Duke University becoming one of the most anticipated moments in college basketball.
Looking back on his journey, Knueppel credits NBA Jam as the catalyst that started it all. While many athletes have a moment or experience that drives them toward their sport, for Kon, it was a video game that made basketball come alive in a way nothing else could. “That game is still one of my favorite things,” he said. “It really shaped how I saw basketball and helped me fall in love with the sport. I owe a lot to it.”
As Knueppel continues to develop into one of the top young stars in college basketball, it’s clear that his unconventional introduction to the game is just as much a part of his story as his rising athleticism. And perhaps, next time you pick up a controller and fire up NBA Jam, you might just be witnessing the future of basketball in the making.
