Meet the Parents: Wisconsin’s Knueppel Leads Duke to Final Four
As the Duke Blue Devils head to the Final Four in San Antonio, the spotlight is shining brightly on a name that’s become synonymous with success: Wisconsin native, and Duke freshman, Jasiah Knueppel. The 6’6″ guard has been nothing short of a revelation this season, leading Duke on an improbable march through the NCAA tournament. But behind every triumph on the court lies a family story rooted in hard work, dedication, and the support of parents who have played a crucial role in shaping Knueppel into the player he is today.
Knueppel, who hails from Brookfield, Wisconsin, arrived at Duke with a reputation as one of the nation’s top recruits. Yet, despite his highly-touted status, few expected him to make such an immediate impact at the collegiate level. From the moment he set foot on the court for the Blue Devils, however, it was clear that Knueppel had something special. His blend of athleticism, basketball IQ, and leadership abilities quickly caught the attention of both coaches and fans.
But as much as Knueppel’s success on the court is due to his natural talent, it’s also the result of a deep, unwavering support system—most notably from his parents, Tasha and Derek Knueppel. Both Wisconsin natives, Tasha and Derek have been fixtures in their son’s basketball journey from day one. Their commitment to his development, and their focus on teaching him the value of hard work and humility, have played a key role in his rise to stardom.
“My parents have always stressed the importance of effort, respect, and doing the right things even when no one’s looking,” said Knueppel. “They’ve been there for me every step of the way—picking me up after losses, celebrating the wins, and, most importantly, teaching me to stay grounded.”
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer has been quick to praise Knueppel’s maturity both on and off the court, acknowledging the influence his parents have had in shaping his character. “Jasiah comes from a strong family background, and you can see it in the way he carries himself,” Scheyer said. “He has an incredible work ethic, a high basketball IQ, and, most importantly, a sense of humility that’s rare in someone so talented.”
Knueppel’s development as a player didn’t happen overnight. Growing up in Wisconsin, he was constantly surrounded by competition, with his parents ensuring he never took his success for granted. Tasha and Derek were always on hand to guide him, whether it was attending his high school games or helping him fine-tune his skills in the offseason. Their influence has not only been felt on the basketball court but in his approach to life itself.
As Knueppel led Duke past top-ranked opponents in the tournament, his parents were right there, cheering him on from the stands. But despite their pride, Tasha and Derek remain grounded, understanding that the journey is far from over. “We’ve always told him that basketball is a platform,” said Derek Knueppel. “It’s a means to an end, not the end itself. Our main focus is always on him being a good person.”
Now, as Duke prepares for a Final Four showdown, Jasiah Knueppel has an opportunity to cement his place in Duke basketball history. But regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: the strong foundation built by his parents has set him up for success, both on and off the court. With their continued support, the future for Knueppel—and Duke basketball—looks incredibly bright.
