The 2025 NBA Draft spotlight shines on Duke University, with forward Cooper Flagg projected as the No. 1 overall pick. Named college basketball’s national player of the year, Flagg led Duke to the best statistical performance in the nation, though they fell short of a national championship. Flagg, a dynamic talent, is the centerpiece of Jon Scheyer’s squad, but Duke also boasts two other high-upside prospects: center Khaman Maluach and wing Kon Knueppel, both projected lottery picks.
Flagg is a near-consensus elite prospect, poised to transform the Dallas Mavericks with his versatile skill set. Maluach, while less proven, brings jaw-dropping physical tools, including a 7-foot-7 wingspan and a 9-foot-6 standing reach, making his NBA role as a rim-protecting big man easy to envision. Knueppel, however, remains a polarizing figure, with opinions split on his ultimate ceiling.
Some compare Knueppel to Luke Kennard, a solid NBA shooter enjoying a decade-long career. While not an insult—Kennard is a reliable role player—the comparison, often fueled by their shared Duke background and similar appearances, undersells Knueppel’s potential. Unlike Kennard, Knueppel offers a broader skill set and a higher ceiling, setting him apart as a more dynamic prospect.
### Why Kon Knueppel Will Thrive in the NBA
At 19, Knueppel delivered a stellar freshman campaign, earning All-ACC honors and the ACC Tournament MVP award after leading Duke to the title, stepping up in Flagg’s absence due to injury. He averaged 14.4 points per game with an impressive 64.2 percent true shooting, showcasing elite efficiency.
Knueppel’s calling card is his shooting. He hit 40.6 percent of his three-pointers, excelling as a catch-and-shoot weapon while also showing comfort shooting off movement. His 91.4 percent free-throw shooting reflects his pristine form, and he was highly effective inside the arc, converting 56.7 percent of two-point attempts and 62 percent near the rim in halfcourt settings (per Synergy).
While not an elite athlete by NBA standards, Knueppel compensates with a strong, 220-pound frame, displayed at the NBA Draft Combine. His physicality and balance enhance his shooting mechanics, allowing him to generate power and consistency. Though some skepticism lingers due to his athletic limitations, Knueppel’s skill, efficiency, and versatility position him for NBA success far beyond the Kennard comparisons.
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