He grew up a Badger fan, watching Wisconsin basketball with wide eyes and dreaming of one day donning the red and white. From the moment Kon Knueppel could dribble a ball, he was a fixture in the local Milwaukee gyms, developing a pure jump shot and feel for the game that made seasoned coaches and scouts take notice. But not even the most hopeful onlookers could have predicted the meteoric rise that would eventually land him among basketball’s elite. Now, fresh off being selected No. 4 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, Knueppel is at the center of a new buzz—and Hornets fans are loving every minute of it.
Knueppel’s story is the kind sports fans live for: homegrown talent with deep local roots, a love for the game, and a journey filled with turns that made his destination anything but certain. Raised in a family with a deep basketball pedigree—his father, Walt, played college ball and later coached—Kon was surrounded by the game. He watched the Badgers religiously, attending games at the Kohl Center, dreaming not only of being on that court but of being the one who made the game-winning shot. From a young age, it was evident Knueppel had something special. He wasn’t the flashiest, nor the most explosive athlete, but his basketball IQ, silky-smooth shot, and uncanny ability to make the right play stood out.
His high school career at Wisconsin Lutheran was nothing short of prolific. As a junior, he averaged over 25 points per game, with shooting splits that left scouts shaking their heads. His senior year only elevated his profile—he was a McDonald’s All-American, a five-star recruit, and one of the most efficient scorers in the country. Knueppel had become a household name in high school hoops, with analysts praising his court vision, ability to shoot from anywhere, and calm demeanor under pressure.
Initially committed to Marquette, Knueppel flipped to Duke late in the recruiting cycle, a move that surprised many but ultimately made sense. At Duke, under head coach Jon Scheyer, Knueppel’s game matured in new ways. He adjusted to the speed and physicality of college basketball seamlessly, emerging as a key contributor from day one. What set him apart wasn’t just his numbers—though they were impressive—but how he got them. He played the game like a seasoned vet, finding soft spots in defenses, making the extra pass, defending with pride, and never forcing a shot.
By the end of his freshman year, Knueppel was averaging 16.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, while shooting 47% from three-point range and 89% from the free-throw line. He had a poise that belied his age and a scoring ability that made NBA scouts perk up in their seats. Though not the most talked-about name in the draft early on, a strong NCAA tournament performance pushed Knueppel into top-10 conversation. By the time pre-draft workouts and interviews rolled around, the whispers became shouts: this kid was legit.
The Charlotte Hornets, coming off a season of struggle and transition, had the No. 4 pick and were in search of a player who could help transform the culture—someone who didn’t just put up numbers, but brought intelligence, professionalism, and leadership. In Knueppel, they saw all of that and more. It wasn’t just about what he could do with the ball in his hands; it was about how he carried himself, how he elevated teammates, and how he understood the game.
When Commissioner Adam Silver called his name at No. 4, it wasn’t a shock to insiders, but it did turn heads. Hornets fans erupted on social media. Some admitted they hadn’t followed Knueppel closely, but once the highlights rolled in and the scouting reports began circulating, it became clear: this wasn’t just a shooter—they had landed a true cornerstone piece.
Knueppel’s skillset fits perfectly in today’s NBA. At 6-foot-6 with a strong frame and a high release on his shot, he’s nearly impossible to contest from deep. But what really makes him dangerous is his feel for the game. He sees plays develop before they happen. He’s not just a scorer; he’s a connector, someone who understands space, tempo, and timing. Whether it’s running off screens, operating as a secondary playmaker, or creating his own shot late in the clock, Knueppel brings a multifaceted offensive package that’s hard to game-plan for.
Hornets head coach Charles Lee has already expressed excitement over Knueppel’s potential, noting in his introductory press conference that “Kon is a player who makes the right play almost every time. He’s been a winner at every level, and we believe he can be a big part of what we’re building in Charlotte.” The front office echoed those sentiments, highlighting Knueppel’s maturity, leadership qualities, and work ethic.
Off the court, Knueppel has remained grounded, crediting his family, faith, and coaches for helping him reach this point. In post-draft interviews, he was humble and thoughtful, expressing gratitude for the Hornets’ belief in him and excitement about starting his NBA journey. “This is a dream come true,” he said. “I know how much work it takes to succeed at this level, and I’m ready to put everything I have into it. Charlotte believed in me, and I’m going to give them everything I’ve got.”
His arrival also comes at a time when the Hornets are building around a core of promising young players, including LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Mark Williams. Adding Knueppel to that mix gives Charlotte one of the most intriguing young rosters in the league. His shooting will space the floor for Ball’s playmaking, his off-ball movement will complement Miller’s slashing, and his high IQ will raise the overall offensive ceiling.
Summer League will offer fans their first real glimpse of Knueppel in action, and early signs suggest he’s already turning heads in practices. Coaches are raving about his professionalism, his eagerness to learn, and how quickly he’s picking up the system. He may not be the flashiest rookie, but he’s poised to be one of the most productive.
As the buzz grows in Charlotte, back home in Wisconsin, there’s a different kind of pride. Though he never wore a Badger jersey, Knueppel still represents the hopes of countless young players from the Midwest dreaming of the big stage. He’s proof that hard work, fundamentals, and basketball IQ still matter in today’s game. He’s a reminder that even in an era obsessed with highlight reels and vertical leaps, there’s still a place for players who simply know how to play.
