Duke’s Next Targets: Three Shooting Guards to Pursue After Kon Knueppel’s Departure
By Fictional Sports Insider Staff – April 17, 2025
The surprise departure of Kon Knueppel to the NBA Draft has left Duke basketball scrambling for answers in the backcourt. Knueppel, known for his lethal three-point shooting and high basketball IQ, was expected to be a cornerstone of Jon Scheyer’s offense. With his exit, Scheyer and assistant coach Chris Carrawell—nicknamed “The Shooters’ Pope” for his knack at identifying pure scoring talent—are now pivoting to secure a new sniper to stretch the floor.
Here are three sharp-shooting guards Duke should seriously consider pursuing:
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1. Isiah Harwell – The Five-Star Answer
If Duke wants an immediate plug-and-play replacement with size, pedigree, and range, Isiah Harwell checks every box. At 6’6”, Harwell is a dynamic wing scorer with deep range and a smooth release. He’s been a mainstay on the EYBL circuit, lighting up defenses with his quick-trigger three and the ability to score off the dribble. Harwell already has a relationship with Duke’s staff and was reportedly “blown away” on his unofficial visit last fall. With his top-10 national ranking and defensive upside, he could not only fill Knueppel’s void but potentially exceed it.
Why it fits: Harwell brings both offensive firepower and defensive length. His ceiling is All-ACC, and his floor is instant offense off the bench.
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2. Braylon Mullins – Indiana’s Hidden Gem
Mullins may not carry the same blue-chip pedigree as Harwell, but he’s risen fast. The 6’5″ guard from Greenfield-Central High School in Indiana is a pure shooter with mechanics so clean you’d think they were AI-generated. After torching the Adidas 3SSB circuit, Mullins jumped into the national top-25 and earned calls from Kansas, Baylor, and yes—Duke. Scheyer, an Indiana native himself, reportedly loves Mullins’ shot versatility and high motor. He’s not just a catch-and-shoot threat; he’s confident creating space with one or two dribbles.
Why it fits: Mullins is tailor-made for Duke’s spacing-heavy, perimeter-oriented offense. Think a right-handed Luke Kennard with more defensive upside.
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3. Acaden Lewis – The Underrated Combo Threat
Lewis might not be a pure 2-guard, but he’s too talented to ignore. The D.C. native is a 6’3” combo guard who can shoot off the bounce, finish in transition, and play either backcourt spot. He’s not a volume shooter like Knueppel, but he’s an efficient one—shooting over 43% from deep in his junior year. What makes Lewis so intriguing is his feel for the game; he can score 20 one night and rack up 8 assists the next. Duke’s staff has been monitoring him closely, and his game screams “big moment ready.”
Why it fits: Lewis adds versatility, court vision, and a developing jumper. He’s a longer-term piece with a higher floor than many realize.
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As Scheyer recalibrates his recruiting board, all three of these names should be highlighted in blue. Duke may have lost a future first-rounder in Knueppel, but the shooting market is far from empty. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that when the Shooters’ Pope sets his sights on a target—he usually converts.
