The NBA world is fascinated with Duke University basketball freshman Cooper Flagg, and rightfully so.
To some extent, many are intrigued by 7-foot-2 rookie center Karman Malouac, who is projected to be a top-three selection in ESPN's early 2025 mock draft.
But freshman wing Con Knueppel could be the player on this season's roster that surprises people the most and rises up draft boards, and that's already happened.
Knueppel participated in the Jayson Tatum Elite Camp last week and shone in front of several NBA scouts, showcasing his excellent shooting ability and incredible defense.
Draft Express director of scouting John Chepkevich said the burgeoning guard has been “very productive across the board.”
“He hit a string of 3-pointers, finished through contact, made some smart cuts, kept the ball moving and was solid defensively. He is projected to be a mid-first round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.”
Duke freshman Con Knueppel was very productive overall at the Tatum Elite Camp.
He hit a string of 3-pointers, finished through contact, made some smart cuts, kept the ball moving and was solid defensively.
He is projected to be a mid-first round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. pic.twitter.com/wUmdOQc9tZ
— John Chepkevich (@JonChep) July 10, 2024
This is the first time that Con Knuppel has been mentioned as an upcoming draft candidate, despite not naturally displaying the size, strength and physical traits that other prospects have shown.
AthleticIn an early mock draft released Wednesday, the organization projects Knueppel to be the 16th overall pick in June's draft.
He was ranked as a five-star recruit and No. 18 in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
Con Knuppel swept the Wisconsin Player of the Year awards during his senior season, averaging 25.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 59.4 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from 3-point range.
He shot 47.5 percent from 3-point range last summer on the Nike EYBL Circuit and has already shown his shooting ability in offseason workouts for Durham.
Duke University lists Knuppel as 6-foot-7 and 217 pounds, but his final measurements in high school were 6-foot-5 and 205 pounds.
While most of the country will be focusing on the trio of Cooper Flagg, Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster, Con Knueppel is poised to make a splash when the Blue Devils open their season on Nov. 4 against Maine.
