The echoes of Cameron Indoor Stadium have long whispered the names of legends who donned the Duke blue. From Grant Hill to Shane Battier, from J.J. Redick to Zion Williamson, Duke’s storied basketball program has built its legacy on excellence, leadership, and family. Now, under the stewardship of Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils are looking to extend that lineage into a new era—one that could very well revolve around preserving and nurturing a growing Duke family tradition. Enter Kon Knueppel, the five-star freshman and top-tier shooter from Milwaukee, whose ties to Duke run deeper than his commitment paperwork. For Scheyer, keeping the Knueppel name woven into the Blue Devil fabric is about more than basketball—it’s about legacy.
A Rising Star with Royal Blue Roots
Kon Knueppel isn’t just a top recruit in the class of 2024. The 6-foot-6 sharpshooter is the son of former college standout Kevin Knueppel and grandson of Roy Knueppel, both of whom forged their own legacies at the high school and collegiate levels in Wisconsin. Though neither played at Duke, Kon’s arrival in Durham signifies the beginning of what the Scheyer era hopes will be a multi-generational relationship between the Knueppel family and the Duke basketball program.
Scheyer, himself a former Duke captain and 2010 national champion, sees in Knueppel a player who not only fits the program’s elite standards but embodies the character and basketball IQ that Mike Krzyzewski built the program on. More than anything, Scheyer is laying the foundation to make Durham a second home for the Knueppels—not just for Kon, but for future generations who might wear the Blue Devil jersey.
The Allure of Durham: Why Duke?
For Kon Knueppel, the decision to choose Duke over heavyweights like Virginia, Wisconsin, and Alabama came down to culture, competition, and coaching.
“I just felt at home,” Knueppel said during his commitment announcement. “Duke felt like a place where I could grow not just as a player, but as a man. Coach Scheyer really believes in me, and that means a lot.”
Scheyer’s pitch was part basketball, part vision. He presented Knueppel with film sessions showing how he could be utilized in Duke’s offense—off-ball actions, pick-and-pop sequences, and movement similar to how the Blue Devils used Grayson Allen and Luke Kennard. But it was the off-court atmosphere that sealed it.
“Kon’s one of those kids who thrives when he’s trusted,” said his father, Kevin. “Scheyer wasn’t just recruiting him for a year or two. He was investing in him for a lifetime.”
Duke’s Vision for Knueppel: The Swiss Army Knife
Knueppel enters Duke as arguably the best pure shooter in his class, but Scheyer views him as more than a perimeter threat.
“Kon is the kind of player who can run the offense through movement,” Scheyer explained at a preseason media day. “He’s not just a spot-up guy. He reads defenses incredibly well, has fantastic vision, and isn’t afraid to make the extra pass.”
The vision for Knueppel includes minutes at shooting guard, small forward, and even as a secondary ball-handler depending on matchups. His versatility and unselfishness align perfectly with Scheyer’s uptempo yet disciplined system.
Knueppel averaged 25.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in his senior year at Wisconsin Lutheran High School while shooting 45% from beyond the arc. But it’s his composure and confidence under pressure that excites Scheyer the most.
“He reminds me of a young Kyle Korver but with a little bit of Luka’s poise,” Scheyer said with a smile. “He’s unshakable.”
Recruiting with an Eye on Legacy
Scheyer has leaned heavily into the concept of continuity and legacy in his recruiting efforts since succeeding Coach K. In the same way that Duke alums often return to mentor or even coach (like Nolan Smith and Chris Carrawell), Scheyer envisions a future where families like the Knueppels become synonymous with Duke hoops.
“There’s something powerful about legacy,” Scheyer noted. “It gives meaning to the jersey. We want players who understand that they’re not just part of a team—they’re part of a tradition.”
Scheyer’s approach differs from the transactional era of college basketball dominated by NIL deals and one-and-done culture. While Duke certainly benefits from top-tier talent, Scheyer emphasizes long-term relationships over short-term wins.
“Kon knows we believe in him beyond how many points he scores,” said assistant coach Jai Lucas. “It’s about building a future together.”
The Culture Fit: A Knueppel Trademark
Much of what defines Duke basketball is its unique culture—tight-knit, competitive, and grounded in accountability. That’s where Knueppel fits like a glove.
“He’s as humble as he is talented,” said one Duke staffer. “He carries himself like a senior even though he’s a freshman. He leads by example—he’s in the gym early, helps clean up, asks questions during film.”
Even early scrimmages against veteran Blue Devils have shown flashes of Knueppel’s impact. He’s hit game-winning shots in practice, locked up seasoned guards, and even organized player-led workouts on off-days.
“Kon doesn’t act like a superstar, but his work ethic is contagious,” said teammate Caleb Foster. “He’s already pushing the rest of us to be better.”
The Family Connection
Beyond the hardwood, Duke’s culture of family is critical to Scheyer’s long-term vision. Kon’s parents, Kevin and Kirsten, were immediately impressed by how much Duke included them in the recruitment process—not just as parents of a potential star, but as members of a community.
“They weren’t selling us on NBA potential or flash,” said Kevin. “They were showing us how Kon would be challenged, loved, and shaped into a man of character.”
It’s a message that resonates deeply with families who value more than just athletic success. And it’s part of why the Knueppel name might be more than a single chapter in the Duke basketball story.
“We joke that this might be the first Knueppel,” said Kirsten. “But don’t be surprised if it’s not the last.”
Scheyer’s Greater Blueprint: Keeping Duke ‘Duke’
In many ways, Scheyer’s emphasis on legacy is a reflection of his own journey. From high school phenom to national champion, to assistant coach under Coach K, to now the face of one of college basketball’s crown jewels—Scheyer knows the weight of the jersey.
He’s not just trying to win games. He’s trying to protect and evolve a legacy.
“I played here. I bled here. I know what this place means,” Scheyer said during a recent alumni event. “I want to make sure the next generation doesn’t just see Duke as a basketball program—they see it as a home, a family.”
That’s what makes the Knueppel story so essential. It’s not just about recruiting a talented kid from Wisconsin. It’s about inviting a family to be part of something bigger.
The Future of Duke—and the Knueppels
There’s no guarantee in college basketball. Injuries happen. Transfers occur. But if Kon Knueppel thrives—and all signs suggest he will—then Scheyer’s vision of legacy, family, and continuity will become even more real.
Already, Duke fans are envisioning Kon Knueppel as a future captain, possibly a multi-year player who helps define an era. And who knows? Maybe someday his younger siblings or even future children will look at Cameron Indoor and feel the same pull he did.
If Scheyer has his way, the Knueppel lineage at Duke is only just beginning.
Final Thoughts
In an era where college basketball often feels like a revolving door of talent and transactions, Jon Scheyer’s commitment to legacy stands out. The recruitment—and future development—of Kon Knueppel isn’t just about talent. It’s about creating continuity, building community, and honoring the spirit of what makes Duke special.
For Kon, it’s a chance to be part of something legendary. For the Knueppel family, it’s an opportunity to build a home away from home. And for Duke basketball, it’s one more brick in the ever-growing wall of tradition and excellence.
