Kon Knueppel’s story reads like a basketball fairytale with a Wisconsin twist. He grew up in Milwaukee, where red and white were more than just colors—they were practically a second skin. The Knueppel household bled Badger pride. Saturdays in the fall meant watching Wisconsin football, and winters were for cheering on the Badgers at the Kohl Center. Kon’s father, a former standout at Milwaukee Lutheran and later Wisconsin Lutheran College, had passed down not only the family name but also the family game. Kon’s early years were filled with backyard hoops, church league tournaments, and AAU weekends. He was a Wisconsin kid through and through.
Fast forward to the 2025 NBA Draft, and that local kid is no longer just a Badger fan—he’s now the No. 4 overall pick, heading to a franchise that desperately needs his brand of calm, confident shotmaking. The Charlotte Hornets made their move, and Hornets fans are buzzing—literally and figuratively. With their selection of Knueppel, they’re not just adding a top-tier wing prospect. They’re bringing in a blue-collar, high-IQ baller whose journey to the league is as Midwestern as it gets—and whose ceiling might just reach Queen City royalty.
The hype started in earnest during Knueppel’s time at Wisconsin Lutheran High School, where he was virtually unguardable by the time he was a junior. With a deceptively smooth handle, a deadly shooting touch, and an unshakeable presence, Knueppel turned heads across the country. He wasn’t flashy, but he was effective. He wasn’t the most athletic guy in the gym, but he never seemed rushed or rattled. Scouts started using words like “NBA-ready,” “elite feel,” and “pro shotmaking.” And yet, he kept flying under the radar—for a while, at least.
Kon committed to Duke over the Badgers in what was a gut-wrenching moment for many Wisconsin fans. His decision was based on growth, development, and the opportunity to play on the biggest stage possible before making the jump to the NBA. Under Jon Scheyer at Duke, Knueppel thrived. In his lone season in Durham, he averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting a blistering 43.9% from beyond the arc. His shooting mechanics were textbook, and his court vision was underrated. Knueppel didn’t just put up numbers—he made winning plays.
What separated him from other top prospects wasn’t raw athleticism or eye-popping verticals. It was his pace. Kon Knueppel plays like he’s one step ahead of everyone else, like he’s already seen the next three moves before the defense has even reacted to the first. He thrives in the half-court. His pump fake is lethal. His footwork is clean. He’s not going to jump over you, but he will shoot over you. And more often than not, it’s going in.
NBA executives love players who can shoot, make smart decisions, and don’t shy away from the moment. Knueppel checked every box during his pre-draft workouts. He lit up team scrimmages. He nailed interview after interview with the kind of quiet confidence that speaks volumes. Teams saw a player who wouldn’t need years of development—someone who could come in and contribute from day one.
Still, few expected him to rise all the way to No. 4.
When the Charlotte Hornets were on the clock, most mock drafts had them taking a more explosive, “upside” player. Maybe a rim-running big. Maybe an above-the-rim wing. But the Hornets, in a move that’s already being praised by analysts across the league, zigged when others zagged. They saw a guy who fits perfectly next to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller—a high-efficiency, low-maintenance scorer who can stretch the floor and make smart reads. In short, they saw the best basketball player on the board.
Hornets GM Mitch Kupchak said it plainly: “We believe Kon is one of the most skilled players in this draft. His feel for the game, his shot, and his ability to compete—those things translate immediately. He’s going to make us better.”
Buzz City, meet your newest sharpshooter.
The fit couldn’t be better. The Hornets have long struggled with spacing and shot selection, and Knueppel brings both elite shooting and decision-making. He’s the kind of guy who makes stars better. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective, but when he does have it, good things happen. That’s not just scouting jargon—that’s the product of years spent refining his craft, watching film, and working relentlessly.
What’s more, Knueppel’s game is built for longevity. He’s not overly reliant on athleticism, which means his game won’t age out quickly. Think of players like Joe Ingles, Malcolm Brogdon, or even a young Gordon Hayward—guys who beat defenders with their minds as much as their skills. Knueppel may have a higher ceiling than all of them. He’s just getting started.
Back in Wisconsin, the news was met with a mix of joy and what-ifs. Some fans still wonder what might have been if he’d chosen to wear the motion W. Would the Badgers have made a deeper March run? Would he have become a folk hero like Frank Kaminsky or Sam Dekker? Probably. But Knueppel’s decision to leave the state was never about leaving behind his roots—it was about building something bigger. And now, as a top-5 NBA pick, it’s clear he made the right call.
His path wasn’t always straightforward. He battled skepticism about his athleticism and questions about whether his game would translate. But every time the lights got brighter, he delivered. At Duke, he was the calm in the storm during chaotic ACC battles. In the NCAA Tournament, he hit clutch shots and never wavered. At the NBA Combine, he aced interviews and nailed drill after drill. The league took notice.
Now, Kon Knueppel has the chance to be something special in Charlotte.
Hornets fans, understandably starved for sustained success, are ready to embrace their new guy. Social media lit up the moment his name was called. “We got a bucket,” one fan tweeted. “This dude can SHOOT. Let’s goooo ,” posted another. And it’s true. Knueppel doesn’t just bring highlights—he brings hope. Hope that Charlotte can finally turn the corner. Hope that this young core, anchored by Ball, Miller, and now Knueppel, can grow into something real.
Off the court, he’s humble and grounded, with a quiet intensity that coaches love. He’s more about film study than flashy cars, more about team dinners than VIP lounges. In an era where image sometimes outshines impact, Knueppel is a throwback in the best way. He plays because he loves the game. He competes because he hates to lose.
Back in Milwaukee, you’ll still find old friends wearing Badgers gear with his name on the back, and now, some new Charlotte Hornets jerseys too. His alma mater, Wisconsin Lutheran, is already planning a celebration in his honor. Teachers and teammates alike talk about his work ethic, his kindness, and his relentless drive.
The journey from Badger fan to top-5 NBA pick wasn’t guaranteed. But for Kon Knueppel, every step—every shot, every workout, every decision—led him here. To a city buzzing with anticipation. To a franchise in need of a spark. To a league that’s always looking for the next great story.
And now, it’s his turn to write it.
So yeah—he grew up a Badger fan. But now? He’s flying with the Hornets.
And something tells us he’s just getting started.
