Kon Knueppel, born August 3, 2005, is a college basketball player for the Duke Blue Devils.
He grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and attended Wisconsin Lutheran High School, where he excelled, averaging 26.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists as a senior.
Knueppel was named Wisconsin Mr. Basketball and led his team to a state championship.
He joined Duke in June 2024 and made an impressive debut on November 4, 2024, scoring 22 points against Maine.
Recently, he showcased his high basketball IQ by saving a teammate from going out of bounds during a game against NC State.
Parents
Kon’s parents are Kon Knueppel and Chari Nordgaard Knueppel.
His father, also named Kon, is a former basketball star at Wisconsin Lutheran College, where he remains the all-time leading scorer.
He was inducted into the Wisconsin Lutheran Hall of Fame in 2014.
Chari, his mother, is the all-time leading scorer for UW-Green Bay women’s basketball and has been influential in her sons’ athletic careers. They have five sons together, all of whom are involved in basketball.
Career
Knueppel II had an outstanding high school career at Wisconsin Lutheran High School, where he emerged as one of the top players in Wisconsin basketball.
During his senior season, he averaged an impressive 25.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. His scoring ability and versatility as a guard made him a standout athlete.
Under his leadership, the team achieved a perfect 30-0 record and secured a state championship, highlighting not only his skills but also his capacity to lead his teammates to success.
His exceptional performance throughout the season earned him prestigious accolades, including the title of Wisconsin Mr. Basketball and recognition as the Gatorade Player of the Year in 2024.
Following his remarkable high school career, Knueppel committed to play for the Duke Blue Devils, one of the premier programs in NCAA Division I basketball.
He made his collegiate debut on November 4, 2024, against Maine, where he showcased his talent by scoring an impressive 22 points.
As of January 2025, he is averaging approximately 12.7 points per game, contributing significantly to Duke’s offense.
His ability to score from various positions on the court, along with his rebounding and assist capabilities, makes him a valuable asset to the team.
Knueppel is known for his strong shooting skills, particularly from beyond the arc, as well as his ability to drive to the basket effectively.
Standing around 6’6″, his height and athleticism allow him to play multiple positions, making him adaptable to the team’s needs.
Additionally, he possesses a high basketball IQ that enables him to make smart decisions on the court, whether it involves finding open teammates or creating scoring opportunities for himself.
Looking ahead, Knueppel’s combination of talent, work ethic, and strong family background in athletics suggests that he has a bright future in college basketball and potentially beyond.
As he continues to develop under Duke’s coaching staff and gain experience at the collegiate level, he is expected to become an even more significant player in NCAA basketball.
