Duke Sharpshooter Kon Knueppel Declares For Draft

“Forever a Blue Devil,” Knueppel wrote in an Instagram post. “Taking the Brotherhood with me to the next chapter.”

A full-time starter in his lone season at Duke, Knueppel played a key role in helping the Blue Devils reach the Final Four this spring. He appeared in all 39 games, averaging 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.0 steals in 30.5 minutes per game. The 6-foot-6 guard shot 47.9% from the field, 40.6% from 3-point range and 91.4% from the free throw line.

Knueppel’s stock rose during the NCAA Tournament, where he delivered several standout performances. He scored 20 points in Duke’s Sweet 16 win over Arizona and followed with 21 points against Alabama in the Elite Eight. In the national semifinal loss to Houston, he posted 16 points and seven rebounds.

The 19-year-old is widely projected as a lottery selection in June’s draft. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo have Knueppel slotted at No. 8 in their latest mock draft, praising his efficiency, shooting ability and improved playmaking. Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman also ranks him No. 8, while The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie projects him at No. 6.

We here at Hoops Wire have Knueppel going eighth overall to the San Antonio Spurs (pre-lottery, of course) in our own mock draft. 

Knueppel is the latest in a line of one-and-done prospects from Duke to turn pro after a strong freshman campaign under head coach Jon Scheyer.

Of course, Knueppel’s teammate, Cooper Flagg, is widely expected to be selected with the first overall pick. Flagg has not yet officially declared for the NBA draft.