Kon Knueppel shines as Duke’s unsung hero alongside Cooper Flagg, impressing scouts with a surprising performance at Mavericks workout.

In the world of college basketball, much of the attention often goes to the standout superstars — the flashy scorers and highlight-reel athletes who dazzle fans and scouts alike. For Duke University, the spotlight has largely been on freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, whose explosive play and natural talent have made him one of the most talked-about players in the 2025 NBA Draft cycle. Yet, lurking quietly beside Flagg is another Blue Devil who has been making waves behind the scenes: Kon Knueppel.

While Flagg’s name graces headlines and draft boards, Knueppel has emerged as Duke’s unsung hero, a steady and reliable force whose recent performance at the Dallas Mavericks’ workout left NBA scouts surprised and impressed. This article dives deep into how Knueppel has risen from relative obscurity to become a significant NBA prospect, and what his future might look like alongside Flagg.

From High School Standout to Duke Contributor

Kon Knueppel’s basketball journey began in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he attended Wisconsin Lutheran High School. There, he distinguished himself as an elite scorer and leader, culminating in an unforgettable senior year where he led his team to an undefeated 30-0 record and a state championship. Despite his stellar play, Knueppel flew under the radar during recruiting, as he was not selected for prestigious events like the McDonald’s All-American Game.

Nevertheless, his combination of size (6-foot-7), shooting ability, and basketball IQ earned him a spot at Duke, one of the premier programs in college basketball. Once on campus, Knueppel didn’t take long to make an impact. His ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, combined with his smart decision-making, made him a reliable option in Duke’s offense.

In his freshman season, Knueppel averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. His shooting splits were impressive — shooting over 40% from beyond the arc and knocking down more than 91% of his free throws. His efficiency and consistency earned him praise from coaches and analysts alike, who highlighted his mature play despite his youth.

Rising To The Occasion When It Matters Most

While Cooper Flagg garnered most of the attention throughout the season for his athleticism and defensive prowess, it was Knueppel who quietly carried Duke through crucial stretches. When Flagg missed parts of the ACC Tournament due to injury, Knueppel stepped up in a big way.

His performance during that tournament was nothing short of spectacular. Knueppel averaged over 21 points per game, along with nearly 6 rebounds and 5 assists, leading Duke to the ACC championship. His clutch shooting, ability to orchestrate the offense, and calm demeanor under pressure earned him the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award — a testament to his rising stature and poise.

Flagg himself has publicly praised Knueppel, acknowledging that having a reliable second option like him takes a lot of pressure off the team. Their chemistry on the court has been evident in Duke’s fluid offense, where defenses cannot solely focus on one star. This synergy bodes well for both players as they prepare for their professional careers.

Mavericks Workout: Surprising NBA Scouts

The 2025 NBA Draft cycle has put many young prospects under the microscope, and workouts with NBA teams are key moments where players can separate themselves from the pack. During his recent workout with the Dallas Mavericks, Kon Knueppel exceeded expectations, impressing coaches and scouts alike.

Scouts were particularly taken by Knueppel’s shooting ability. His stroke is smooth and consistent, capable of hitting deep threes off the catch or on the move. His footwork and shot preparation drew comparisons to some of the best shooters in the NBA, such as J.J. Redick and Gordon Hayward. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd noted that Knueppel’s polished shooting and high basketball IQ could allow him to contribute immediately at the professional level.

Beyond his shooting, Knueppel demonstrated impressive playmaking skills during the workout. He showed the ability to read defenses, find open teammates, and create shots for himself even against tough defenders. His 6-foot-7 frame, combined with good athleticism, allows him to guard multiple positions on defense, a valuable trait in today’s switch-heavy NBA defensive schemes.

Most surprising to the scouts was his composure under pressure. Knueppel handled drills with a calm and confident demeanor, an indication of his mental toughness and readiness for the next level.

Comparisons and NBA Draft Projections

Knueppel’s skill set and recent performances have elevated him to the radar of many NBA teams. While Cooper Flagg is projected as a top-tier lottery pick, Knueppel is rapidly emerging as a potential first-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. Analysts have compared him to versatile wings like Gordon Hayward and Bojan Bogdanović — players known for their scoring ability, shooting range, and smart basketball instincts.

Knueppel’s shooting numbers at Duke — shooting over 40% from three and over 90% on free throws — underscore his status as one of the best shooters in this draft class. His ability to space the floor and knock down shots consistently is highly coveted in today’s NBA, where perimeter shooting is at a premium.

Additionally, his solid size and length, combined with his improving defensive skills, make him a promising “3-and-D” type player who can fit into multiple lineups. His versatility could allow him to carve out a long and productive NBA career.

What This Means for Duke and Cooper Flagg

Kon Knueppel’s rise is good news not just for him but also for Duke’s basketball program. The Blue Devils have long been known for developing NBA-ready talent, and Knueppel’s emergence alongside Cooper Flagg strengthens Duke’s reputation as a top destination for elite recruits.

Flagg and Knueppel’s complementary skill sets make Duke a formidable team and create intriguing possibilities for the NBA. Scouts appreciate players who can play off each other and fit seamlessly into professional systems. Knueppel’s ability to be a consistent secondary scorer and reliable shooter allows Flagg to focus on his strengths, such as defense and playmaking.

Their teamwork and on-court chemistry have been key to Duke’s success this season, and both players are expected to be high picks in the draft, potentially going to the same team or different franchises eager to add versatile wings.

Kon Knueppel’s journey from an overlooked high school prospect to one of Duke’s key contributors and an NBA draft hopeful is a testament to his hard work, talent, and resilience. His impressive showing alongside Cooper Flagg and recent Mavericks workout have proven that he is far from just a supporting player — he’s a star in the making.

As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, teams will be closely watching Knueppel’s development, eager to secure a player who combines shooting, size, and smarts. For Duke fans and NBA scouts alike, Knueppel is a name worth remembering — an unsung hero who is ready to shine on basketball’s biggest stage.