Kon Knueppel just took a significant step to advance his basketball career, and Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer recently spoke out about it.
Knueppel, who just finished his freshman year at Duke, established himself as one of the ACC’s top players early in his academic career. Scheyer recently emphasized Knueppel’s contribution to the team, despite the fact that he spent the majority of the season in the shadow of collegiate basketball star Cooper Flagg.
Following Knueppel’s announcement that he will be declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft, he posted some encouraging remarks for the Duke freshman.
“Loved having Kon in our program,” said Scheyer. “So proud of him and what he did this season. He’s a guy that is about competition. He never shied away from the competitive plays that have to be made in order to win at a high level. As a freshman, Kon understood that. He played both sides of the ball. He had big scoring games… I loved the growth that he made and can’t wait to see what he’s going to do at the next level, with a long, successful NBA career.”
“With NIL now I just don’t get the rush pushing these kids to the NBA. College is the best years of your life. You never get it back.” “While the NBA isn’t what it once was, I get wanting to be a pro, but you only have one shot to be a kid,” one fan wrote on social media after the release of Schemer’s video.
“Now Cooper Flagg,” added another enthusiast. “Yet he didn’t have the final shot against Houston?” mentioned one supporter. “Did it all expect close out the game,” said one fan.
“They’ve been” pros “in many ways since the age of 13. With aau, camps, academies, etc. They are more” older “in their bodies than generations past. Not saying it’s right or wrong but I get turning pro ASAP,” a fan commented. “Strong words from Jon,” noted an additional supporter.
Knueppel averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game at the end of his freshman year at Duke.
“Competitor,” posted the official social media account of the Duke Blue Devils. “Winner. Bucket-getter. Playmaker. Kon did it all for us.”
