Kon Knueppel Could Be the Best Shooter in the 2025 NBA Draft Class, Poised to Be Second Blue Devil Off the Board
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, the buzz surrounding Duke sharpshooter Kon Knueppel continues to grow—and for good reason. The freshman wing has emerged as one of the most efficient and reliable shooters in college basketball, drawing comparisons to some of the best perimeter marksmen in recent draft classes. While all eyes are on teammate Cooper Flagg, projected to be the No. 1 overall pick, Knueppel is making a strong case to be the next Blue Devil off the board—and potentially the best pure shooter in the entire draft.
A Milwaukee native and former five-star recruit, Knueppel came to Duke with a reputation for elite shooting mechanics and high basketball IQ. But few expected just how seamless his transition to college basketball would be. In his freshman season, Knueppel averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while shooting a blistering 40.6% from three and 91.4% from the free throw line. His 47.9% shooting from the field highlighted not just his range but also his efficiency as a scorer at all levels.
Knueppel’s offensive versatility was on full display throughout the season. He consistently moved without the ball, used screens masterfully, and punished defenders with quick releases and a silky touch from beyond the arc. His poise in clutch moments also stood out—most notably in the ACC Tournament, where he was named MVP after leading Duke to a title with 18 points and 8 rebounds in the championship game against Louisville.
But what separates Knueppel from many of his draft-class peers isn’t just his statistics—it’s the way he understands the game. Scouts have raved about his high basketball IQ, unselfish play, and court vision. He’s not a one-dimensional shooter. He reads defenses well, makes smart passes, and operates effectively as a secondary playmaker. At 6-foot-7 and 217 pounds, he has the size to hold his own against NBA wings, even if his athleticism and lateral quickness remain points of discussion for scouts.
“He’s the kind of player who will make an NBA offense hum,” one scout said. “You don’t have to run plays for him—he just knows where to be, and if he’s open, it’s almost automatic.”
Knueppel’s draft stock has steadily risen, and he’s widely projected as a lottery pick. While Flagg is the clear frontrunner from Duke, Knueppel is firmly in the conversation as the next Blue Devil selected—possibly within the top 10. Some scouts even see him as a “plug-and-play” NBA shooter who can contribute from day one.
What makes Knueppel’s rise even more special is his basketball lineage. His father, also named Kon, was a college basketball standout, and his uncle, Jeff Nordgaard, played in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks and enjoyed a successful career overseas. That family background has clearly shaped Knueppel’s maturity and understanding of the game.
As the draft nears, teams in need of shooting and high-IQ wings will be watching Knueppel closely. In a league where floor spacing and smart playmaking are at a premium, his value continues to climb. While Cooper Flagg may dominate headlines, don’t be surprised if Kon Knueppel becomes one of the most impactful rookies in the 2025 class—and one of the most lethal shooters in the NBA for years to come.
