The Duke Blue Devils’ 2024 recruiting class has received a significant boost with the commitment of five-star wing Kon Knueppel. This commitment has propelled Duke’s recruiting class to the second-best in the country. Here’s everything you need to know about Knueppel’s decision and its implications for Duke:
1. Knueppel is ranked as the No. 15 prospect in the 2024 class according to 247 Sports Composite Rankings. His impressive skills and potential make him a highly sought-after recruit.
2. Knueppel had several top-tier programs vying for his commitment, including Virginia, Notre Dame, Louisville, Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Marquette. However, he ultimately chose Duke as his college destination.
3. Knueppel’s commitment marks the third addition to Duke’s 2024 recruiting class under head coach Jon Scheyer. He joins No. 11 prospect Isaiah Evans and No. 56 prospect Darren Harris in what is shaping up to be an elite group of recruits.
What Knueppel’s commitment means for Duke:
Knueppel’s commitment signifies two primary things for Duke’s basketball program:
1. Focus on Shooting: Scheyer has made shooting a priority in building his 2024 recruiting class. Both Evans and Harris are known for their exceptional three-point shooting abilities. Knueppel adds to this strength with his polished shooting and consistency from deep. Duke struggled with three-point shooting last season, making only 33.5 percent of their attempts. Knueppel’s addition will provide a much-needed infusion of shooting talent on the perimeter.
2. Class Composition: Scheyer has expressed his preference for smaller recruiting classes, aiming to keep a scholarship or two available for potential transfers in the spring. With Knueppel joining the fold, Duke’s class is filling up quickly. However, there are still other recruits on the radar, including the top-ranked player in the 2024 class, Cooper Flagg. Flagg, a versatile forward and a Duke fan, is a high priority for the coaching staff. Managing the numbers and ensuring playing time for all recruits will be an interesting challenge for Scheyer.
Scouting Report on Kon Knueppel:
Knueppel, a 6-foot-5, 205-pound wing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has showcased his skills and potential throughout his high school career. He led the Nike EYBL regular season in scoring, averaging 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 13 games.
Despite not fitting the physical mold of a typical wing player, Knueppel utilizes his unique build to his advantage. He possesses one of the highest basketball IQs in the country and will seamlessly fit alongside Harris and Evans.
Knueppel’s shooting efficiency is his standout skill. He connected on an impressive 46.7 percent of his three-point attempts and shot 49.8 percent from the field during the summer season.
In addition to his shooting prowess, Knueppel also possesses excellent vision and playmaking abilities. He maintained a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio during the summer, highlighting his potential as an elite secondary ballhandler.
Knueppel’s consistent performance throughout the summer catapulted him from a top-60 prospect to the No. 15 ranking. His impressive skills and potential make him a strong candidate for the McDonald’s All-American team and potentially a future NBA player.
In conclusion, Kon Knueppel’s commitment to Duke’s 2024 recruiting class has elevated its status to the second-best in the country. His addition brings much-needed shooting talent to the team and highlights Coach Scheyer’s focus on perimeter scoring. As Duke’s class fills up quickly, managing the numbers and ensuring playing time for all recruits will be an intriguing challenge. Knueppel’s skills and potential make him a valuable asset to Duke’s basketball program, and his commitment further solidifies the team’s pursuit of excellence.