Kon Knueppel Drafted by Charlotte Hornets

Kon Knueppel heard his name called quickly during the NBA Draft on Wednesday night. The Charlotte Hornets selected the former Duke Blue Devils standout with the fourth overall pick, just behind his teammate Cooper Flag who went first to the Dallas Mavericks.

After the announcement, Knueppel shared his emotions with ESPN, expressing gratitude for the opportunity. “Being able to enter the NBA is a blessing from God, but sharing it with family is something beyond comprehension. It’s a special moment for all of us,” he said.

His brother, Kash, who was present that night, added to the excitement, calling it a “godly blessing.” He mentioned how thrilled he was to support his brother’s journey, reflecting on the significance of the moment.

Previously, Knueppel had lightly touched on his Christian faith in an interview back in February 2023. He considered Virginia for his college basketball career before choosing Duke, noting that faith played a role in his decision. “When I visited, Coach (Tony) Bennett emphasized that Virginia is a faith-based program,” he recalled, highlighting how important that was to him.

Knueppel had an impressive season at Duke, averaging 14.4 points and four rebounds per game, and now steps into the NBA with hopes of making a significant impact.