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Duke Star Kon Knueppel Announces 2025 NBA Draft Decision

Originally posted on The Spun | By Hunter Hodies | Last updated Apr 16, 2025 6:53 PM ET

Duke star freshman Kon Knueppel was one of the best players in the country during the 2024-25 college basketball season.

Knueppel was a big reason why Duke got to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament, averaging 14.4 points, four rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. He did everything in his power to try and help Duke get to the National Championship Game before falling short against Houston.

Duke had a 14-point lead with less than 10 minutes to go in the second half before blowing it.

Knueppel still had multiple years of eligibility left but has foregone them to enter the 2025 NBA Draft. He announced the news via his Twitter/X page.

"Forever a Blue Devil. Taking the Brotherhood with me to the next chapter," Knueppel tweeted.

He is projected to be a top ten pick in the 2025 NBA Draft since he was one of the best players in college basketball this season. He was Duke's second-leading scorer behind Cooper Flagg, who is still undecided about his future.

If Flagg declares for the draft, he could be the top overall pick since he was arguably the best player in the country this past season. He did it all for Duke, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.

Knueppel was named to the All-ACC Freshman Team and the second All-ACC team for his efforts during the season.

Duke will still be good again next season since the program always recruits well, but not having Knueppel and potentially Flagg would be major losses for the team.

The 2025 NBA Draft will take place in New York from June 25-26.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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