NBA Responds to Kon Knueppel’s Family Nickname After Draft

"My dad and his brothers used to play in the Gus Macker 3-on-3 tournaments all across the country," Knueppel said. "It kind of caught on and carried over to me and my brothers as we’ve gotten older."

Kon’s father, also named Kon, played at Wisconsin Lutheran College, where he became the school’s all-time leading scorer, a record that stood until 2019. Along with his brothers Klint, Klay and Kole, he played in Gus Macker basketball tournaments under the team name The Flying Knueppel Brothers.

Now, the younger Knueppel is continuing the legacy. He mentioned his own brothers, Kager, Kinston, Kash and Kidman, who are making names for themselves in basketball too.

Kon reflected on what it meant to share the moment with his family: “It’s a blessing to be picked in the NBA, but even more of a blessing to share it with your family.”

Knueppel’s draft stock rose after being named ACC Tournament MVP. With Flagg sidelined by an ankle injury, Knueppel led the Blue Devils with 18 points and eight rebounds in a win over Louisville.

In the NCAA Tournament, Duke advanced to the Final Four but lost 70-67 to Houston in the semifinals.

Now, Knueppel heads to Charlotte hoping to bring that same energy to the NBA.