Khaman Maluach came to Duke with the weight of international expectations and the raw promise of a generational prospect. On Wednesday, the 7-foot-2 South Sudanese phenom officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft—cementing his place as one of the most intriguing and discussed prospects in recent memory. But what caught the attention of the Duke community and college basketball fans alike wasn’t just the declaration itself. It was the heartfelt, and somewhat unexpected, message he shared with his now-former teammate Kon Knueppel—who recently made headlines by turning down lucrative NBA opportunities to return to Durham for another year.
Maluach’s message was simple, yet it said everything about the bond these two rising stars formed in such a short time. “To my brother Kon—Duke is lucky to still have you. We built something special this year. Now it’s your turn to finish what we started. You’re going to light it up next season, I already know. Thank you for being my teammate, my friend, and someone I could always count on. See you soon, my guy.”
The post, shared across Maluach’s social media pages and quickly picked up by outlets nationwide, resonated with fans and players alike. In the age of one-and-done culture and rapid movement through the transfer portal, this kind of brotherhood, this public acknowledgment of loyalty and mutual respect, stood out. And it said a lot about both players.
Maluach’s decision to enter the NBA Draft was expected by most scouts and insiders. After all, the 18-year-old big man had been projected as a top-five pick for months, lauded for his rim protection, high motor, and fluid footwork that defies his towering frame. His journey from the NBA Academy Africa to the biggest stage in college basketball has been anything but conventional, and his maturity—on and off the court—has always been ahead of his age.
But for those who followed Duke closely this past season, it wasn’t just his physical gifts that made him special. It was the way he seamlessly fit into a team full of personalities and egos. And at the heart of that locker room connection was his relationship with Kon Knueppel.
Knueppel, the 6-foot-6 wing from Wisconsin, entered Duke’s program with a different kind of hype. A five-star recruit known for his polished shooting stroke and basketball IQ, he turned heads with his calm demeanor and clutch performances. While Maluach often drew the headlines for his defensive dominance and NBA-ready frame, Knueppel quickly became the Blue Devils’ glue guy—the one who could hit the big shot, calm the chaos, and lead with quiet confidence.
Together, the two freshmen gave Duke fans plenty to cheer about. Their chemistry on the floor was apparent, with Knueppel often finding Maluach in transition or feeding him in the post with precision passes. Off the floor, they were even tighter—often spotted together during campus events, in film sessions, or just enjoying the experience of being college kids, albeit with futures brighter than most.
When the season ended in the Elite Eight, the expectation was that both would test NBA waters. But while Maluach’s path felt clear, Knueppel’s decision surprised many. He reportedly turned down multiple first-round guarantees and multimillion-dollar NIL offers from other schools and professional outlets to stay another year at Duke. His reason? “Unfinished business.”
Maluach’s message was a nod to that loyalty. And it wasn’t lost on Knueppel either, who reposted the tribute with a simple caption: “Appreciate you forever, Big Kham. Go get that bag. You earned it.”
In an era where transactional relationships dominate college athletics, this kind of mutual appreciation is rare. And it’s why Duke fans are already looking forward to celebrating Maluach on draft night while rallying around Knueppel for what promises to be a thrilling sophomore season.
Maluach’s rise to NBA stardom seems all but inevitable. Scouts rave about his shot-blocking instincts, his ability to switch onto guards, and his growing offensive arsenal. He’s drawn comparisons to a young Rudy Gobert with a touch more perimeter polish. But perhaps the most telling thing about Maluach is how often his teammates, coaches, and even opponents describe him as “genuine.”
Jon Scheyer, Duke’s head coach, has often spoken about Maluach’s leadership by example. “He came in with humility, worked harder than anyone, and brought people together,” Scheyer said earlier this season. “He’s going to be a star at the next level. But more importantly, he’s already a star as a person.”
That leadership rubbed off on Knueppel, too. The freshman duo often pushed each other in practice, with Maluach challenging Knueppel to finish through contact and Knueppel forcing Maluach to defend on the perimeter—areas both players improved immensely throughout the season.
Now, with Maluach gone, Knueppel will assume a new role in Durham. No longer the quiet freshman sharpshooter, he’ll be the face of a Blue Devils team that is expected to contend for another deep tournament run. And if Maluach’s message is any indication, there’s full belief in that locker room that Knueppel is ready.
For NBA teams evaluating Maluach, his message to Knueppel might seem like a small moment. But for those who understand culture and chemistry, it’s a huge signal. This is a player who values relationships, who builds trust, and who leaves a positive impact on every room he enters. That matters in a league where ego can often eclipse effort.
And for Duke fans still processing the news of Maluach’s departure, his words offered a bit of closure—and a lot of pride.
They watched him grow from a raw, talented teen into a mature young man who never forgot where he came from and who never took his opportunity for granted. They watched him and Knueppel laugh after wins, huddle after losses, and put on a show together every time they hit the floor.
Now, they’ll get to watch one move on to the highest level of the sport, while the other carries the banner forward in Cameron Indoor.
The NBA Draft in June will likely see Maluach’s name called early—possibly even in the top three. And when that moment happens, there’s little doubt Knueppel will be watching, probably smiling, maybe texting his friend something like, “Told you so.”
And somewhere down the line, maybe a few years from now, these two will share the court again—this time on the NBA stage. Maluach swatting shots and finishing lobs, Knueppel draining corner threes and making the smart play. Just like old times.
But for now, their paths diverge. One to the draft, the other to the practice gym. One preparing for interviews with front offices, the other studying film for next year’s ACC gauntlet. Both chasing greatness. Both rooted in the same foundation of respect, friendship, and a shared belief that Duke is more than just a stepping stone—it’s a family.
Maluach’s message may have only been a few sentences. But it captured everything that made this past season special for Duke fans. And it reminded everyone watching that the best teams aren’t just built on talent—they’re built on connection.
As draft night approaches and Maluach prepares for the next chapter, his message to Knueppel feels like a fitting closing line to his college story. Not with a goodbye, but with a challenge. Not with sadness, but with belief.
“You’re going to light it up next season. I already know.”