Mother of Kon Knueppel Speaks Out After Son Declares for NBA Draft
As Kon Knueppel sets his sights on the 2025 NBA Draft, one voice has resonated with quiet strength and pride—his mother, Sarah Knueppel. While the spotlight shines brightly on the former Duke standout, it’s the voices behind the scenes, like Sarah’s, that remind us of the journey, sacrifice, and love that paved the way.
In an exclusive fictional interview with The Durham Tribune, Sarah opened up about the emotions of watching her son leave college basketball behind and prepare for the pros.
“It’s surreal,” she said, eyes glistening with emotion. “I still remember him as a little boy shooting hoops in our driveway in Milwaukee, rain or shine. He used to mimic his favorite NBA players, announcing his own name as he ‘hit the game-winner’ at the buzzer. And now—he’s chasing that dream for real.”
Kon, a 6-foot-6 sharpshooter, quickly rose to national attention during his standout freshman season at Duke. With his precise shooting, court vision, and quiet leadership, he earned ACC All-Freshman honors and helped the Blue Devils make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. But for Sarah, it wasn’t just about the stats.
“What makes me proud isn’t just the basketball,” she continued. “It’s how he carries himself. He’s humble. He’s loyal. And he’s never forgotten where he came from. That’s all we ever hoped for as parents.”
Sarah, a former college athlete herself, said the values of discipline, faith, and community were always emphasized in the Knueppel household. Kon, she explained, was never pushed—but always encouraged to pursue his goals with heart and focus.
“He chose Duke not just for the program but for the people,” Sarah added. “Coach Scheyer and the staff believed in him, but more importantly, they helped him grow as a man.”
When Kon told her he was entering the draft, Sarah admitted the moment was bittersweet.
“There was a pause—just this quiet moment where we both realized life was about to change forever. He looked at me and said, ‘Mom, I’m ready.’ And I believed him.”
As draft night approaches, the Knueppel family is preparing for what could be the most emotional moment yet: hearing Kon’s name called on the big stage.
“I’ll probably cry,” Sarah laughed. “But it’ll be the good kind of tears. Tears of joy, gratitude, and pride. Because no matter what team calls his name, no matter what happens next—he’s already won in our eyes.”
Sarah says Kon is focused, grounded, and training hard every day. But he still checks in with his family often, especially his younger siblings, who look up to him like a superhero.
“He’s not just chasing a dream for himself,” Sarah concluded. “He’s doing it for all the kids out there who believe—with faith, family, and hard work—you really can go from the driveway to the draft.”
And with that, one chapter ends—but an even greater story is just beginning.
