Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Head Coach Jon Scheyer Bids Farewell to One Star Guard

The Duke basketball staff has now seen its first player movement this offseason.
Matt Giles|
Duke basketball
Duke basketball | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

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Duke Blue Devils

Competitor. Winner. Bucket-getter. Playmaker. That's how the Duke basketball program's social media team summed up the services of Blue Devil freshman guard/forward Kon Knueppel following the 19-year-old standout's confirmed departure to the professional ranks on Wednesday.

ALSO READ: Duke Lands Among Finalists for West Coast Transfer Talent

"I loved having Kon in our program," Scheyer said, "so proud of him and what he did this season...He never shied away from the competitive plays that have to be made in order to win at a high level."

As for what Kon Knueppel did as a Blue Devil under third-year head coach Jon Scheyer, the 6-foot-7, 217-pound Wisconsin native averaged 14.4 points for a Duke basketball squad that won 35 games, captured both the regular season and tournament crowns in the ACC, and reached the Final Four.

He shot 47.9 percent from the field, 40.8 percent from deep, and 91.4 percent at the charity stripe.

And Knueppel, now a projected 2025 NBA Draft lottery pick alongside a couple of fellow Duke basketball freshmen in guard/forward Cooper Flagg and center Khaman Maluach, became ACC Tournament MVP while racking up All-ACC Second Team and Rookie Team honors.

"Forever a Blue Devil," Knueppel, a former five-star recruit, noted in his announcement post. "Taking the Brotherhood with me to the next chapter."

ALSO READ: Big Decision Awaits Blue Devil Reserve Rookie Isaiah Evans

Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more Duke basketball offseason news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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