Sleeper No More: Duke’s Kon Knueppel Declares for NBA Draft – Could He Be the Steal of 2025?
The 2025 NBA Draft just got a whole lot more interesting. Duke freshman Kon Knueppel officially declared for the NBA Draft, taking to social media to share the news—and the basketball world is buzzing.
Knueppel, a 6’6” sharpshooter with one of the smoothest strokes in college basketball, flew under the radar for much of the 2024–25 season. But scouts and analysts took notice as the year went on. He quickly earned a reputation as one of the most efficient offensive players in the country. Whether it was draining threes, making smart passes, or staying calm under pressure, Knueppel consistently delivered for the Blue Devils when it mattered most.
Now, he’s ready to take the leap—and his timing couldn’t be better.
While he’s not projected as a top-5 pick (yet), many insiders are calling Knueppel the biggest sleeper in this year’s draft class. “There’s always one guy who rises during workouts and pre-draft interviews,” one scout said. “Kon could absolutely be that guy. He’s smart, coachable, and deadly from deep. You don’t pass up on that in today’s NBA.”
Fans are already speculating where he might land. Could he be a perfect fit for a playoff contender looking to add instant shooting? Or might a rebuilding team scoop him up and develop him into a key piece for the future?
One thing’s for sure: Knueppel is no longer under the radar.
After a strong freshman campaign at Duke and years of development that started well before his time in Durham, Kon’s ready to prove he belongs on the NBA stage. His mechanics, court IQ, and clutch mentality make him a name to watch as we inch closer to draft night.
If you didn’t know his name before, now’s the time to get familiar. Kon Knueppel might just be the steal of the 2025 NBA Draft.
