The 2025 NBA Draft saw significant selections from the Duke Blue Devils basketball program, with two of their highly-touted prospects landing in the top five. Cooper Flagg, the reigning National Player of the Year, was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks. His Duke teammate, Kon Knueppel, a sharpshooting wing, was chosen as the No. 4 overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets, a move that signals a commitment to addressing the team's critical need for elite shooting.

Kon Knueppel, a 19-year-old, 6-foot-7 forward from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, made an immediate impact in his lone freshman season with the Blue Devils. He averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, showcasing remarkable efficiency by connecting on 47.9% of his field goals, an elite 40.6% from beyond the 3-point arc on 5.3 attempts per game, and an impressive 91.4% from the free-throw line. Knueppel played in all 39 games, starting each one, and was a key contributor to Duke’s run to the NCAA Tournament Final Four alongside Flagg and Khaman Maluach. His exceptional play earned him the ACC Tournament MVP title, leading Duke to the ACC Tournament Championship with an 18-point, 8-rebound performance in the final. Duke coach Jon Scheyer lauded Knueppel’s competitive spirit, praising his ability to play both sides of the ball and his significant growth throughout the season, predicting a long and successful NBA career.

Beyond his on-court achievements, Knueppel's journey to the NBA is deeply rooted in his family's strong athletic background and unwavering support. Kon is the oldest of five boys, including Kager, Kinston, Kash, and Kid, all of whom are avid basketball players. Their parents, Chari and Kon Knueppel Sr., both played competitively in college; Kon Sr. was a four-time All-Lake Michigan Conference selection in men's basketball at Wisconsin Lutheran College, while Chari is the all-time scoring leader for the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay women's basketball team. The family's passion for the sport is evident with six basketball hoops in and around their Milwaukee home. The Knueppel parents instilled a positive and supportive environment, emphasizing fun and pride throughout Kon’s recruitment process and college career. His brothers, Kager and Kinston, currently play at Kon’s alma mater, Wisconsin Lutheran High School, while Kash and Kid recently won a national Lutheran grade-school basketball tournament. Kager, at 6-foot-8, is already garnering scouting attention, receiving a D1 offer and being watched by Duke coach Jon Scheyer himself. The family's tradition extends to Kon Sr. and his brothers, known as the “Flying Knueppel Brothers” in 3-on-3 tournaments, hinting at a potential future where multiple Knueppel brothers might play professionally.

The Charlotte Hornets’ decision to select Knueppel at No. 4 was a strategic one, opting for a high-floor prospect whose skill set aligns perfectly with the team's needs. The Hornets ranked last in the NBA in field goal percentage and 28th in 3-point percentage in the 2024-25 season, making Knueppel’s elite shooting a crucial addition. He is expected to immediately slide into the starting lineup alongside key players like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, providing much-needed spacing and scoring. Knueppel expressed his readiness, stating, “I’m ready to work hard and affect winning right away.” He joins a young core tasked with revitalizing the franchise and bringing winning basketball back to Charlotte, aiming for their first playoff appearance since the 2015-16 season.

Financially, Knueppel is set for a major payday, with Spotrac confirming a four-year deal worth over $45 million, translating to more than $11 million per year, a significant jump from his modest college NIL valuation. This professional transition also brings a cultural shift, as he moves from a championship-contending high school team and a Final Four Duke squad to a Hornets team that has experienced years of mediocrity. However, his competitive spirit suggests he is well-prepared for this uphill battle.

The 2025 NBA Draft solidified Duke’s status as a premier basketball program, producing two top-five selections. With Flagg going No. 1 and Knueppel No. 4, Duke has now surpassed Kentucky for the most lottery picks in draft history. Flagg became the sixth Blue Devil to be selected with the top pick, joining an esteemed list including Paolo Banchero, Zion Williamson, Kyrie Irving, Elton Brand, and Art Heyman. Flagg shared a touching moment with his former roommate, Knueppel, expressing excitement for his friend’s new journey. Both Flagg and Knueppel are entering the NBA as highly complete prospects, poised to be immediate and significant contributors to their respective franchises. Flagg joins a Mavericks team with serious playoff aspirations, while Knueppel's elite catch-and-shoot skills make him an ideal fit for the Hornets’ offense, particularly alongside a ball-dominant guard like LaMelo Ball. The future looks bright for both former Blue Devils as they embark on their professional careers.