freshman finished his one-and-done season with averages of 14.4 points, 2.7 assists and 2.2 threes.
Scouts view Knueppel as one of the safest, surer bets in this year’s field based on his positional size, shooting fundamentals and accuracy, and IQ.
When envisioning pro comparisons, there are various potential versions of Knueppel that we could see at the next level. Whether he hits his best-case, worst-case or realistic comp depends on how well certain skills translate, and how much his athletic limitations hold him back.
Best Case: Desmond Bane
Shooting will always be Kon Knueppel’s moneymaker, but his upside shined most at Duke when he was put in ball-screen situations. Though not an advanced one-on-one scorer, he created a lot of opportunity as a pick-and-roll ball-handler, a job that Desmond Bane has excelled at for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Like Bane, Knueppel has the potential to provide shotmaking diversity and consistency while also being able to offer ball-screen offense with his driving, passing and pull-up game.
Bane has now averaged over five assists in consecutive seasons, and Knueppel displayed obvious feel using pacing and feel to set up teammates, most notable Khaman Maluach above the rim.
Despite neither possessing any advantageous athletic traits, both have had success using their bodies and control to attack closeouts and defenders in space.
Otherwise, Knueppel has the stroke and shooting versatility to execute around the perimeter with Bane-level accuracy
