He Grew Up a Wisconsin Badger Fan… You Won’t Believe Where Duke Star Kon Knueppel Is Headed Now After NBA Draft Shock

Kon Knueppel always dreamed of college basketball greatness, but few could have predicted how his journey would unfold. The former Duke Blue Devils sharpshooter, who once roamed the streets of Milwaukee sporting Wisconsin Badgers gear, is now the pride of Charlotte. On one of the most electric nights in franchise history, the Charlotte Hornets selected Knueppel with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft — and Hornets fans can’t stop buzzing.

It’s a twist of fate that adds to the legacy of one of college basketball’s fastest-rising stars. Knueppel, a 6-foot-6 wing with a lethal jumper, picture-perfect mechanics, and a basketball IQ beyond his years, has long been recognized as one of the most polished scorers in his class. But what makes this story even more fascinating is where it started — and how his childhood allegiances once pointed him in an entirely different direction.

Knueppel grew up in Wisconsin, where loyalty to the Badgers runs deep. His father, a former standout player at Wisconsin Lutheran College, and his entire family were entrenched in the state’s basketball culture. Kon himself admitted during past interviews that he idolized Wisconsin legends, cheered at the Kohl Center, and even hoped to one day wear the cardinal and white.

But when the recruiting process heated up, fate — and opportunity — led Knueppel to Durham, North Carolina, where Jon Scheyer and the Duke Blue Devils made their pitch. Duke, with its legacy of developing NBA-ready wings and guards, promised a bigger stage, more exposure, and a fast track to the pros. Knueppel accepted, and the rest is history.

In his lone season at Duke, Knueppel wasted no time living up to the hype. He averaged 16.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and shot a scorching 42.7% from three-point range, establishing himself as one of the premier perimeter threats in college basketball. His smooth stroke, elite footwork, and fearless mentality quickly made him a fan favorite at Cameron Indoor Stadium — and a nightmare for ACC defenders.

Perhaps even more impressive was his ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most. Knueppel delivered clutch performances throughout Duke’s run to the NCAA Tournament, including a 27-point explosion in the Sweet 16 and several late-game daggers that cemented his status as a big-time shot maker. Scouts took notice, and NBA front offices began circling his name as a can’t-miss prospect.

Fast forward to NBA Draft night, and Knueppel’s destiny was sealed when the Charlotte Hornets called his name with the fourth overall pick. It’s a selection that signals the Hornets’ commitment to building around versatile, high-IQ players who can stretch the floor, create offense, and play within a modern system. And for a franchise looking to shake off years of mediocrity and ignite their fan base, Knueppel’s arrival has already injected hope.

Hornets General Manager Mitch Kupchak couldn’t hide his excitement.

“Kon Knueppel is exactly the type of player we need,” Kupchak said during his post-draft press conference. “He’s a winner. He’s polished. He’s a worker. His shooting ability speaks for itself, but his understanding of the game, his toughness, his competitive fire — those are the things that separate him. We believe he can step in right away and make an impact.”

Charlotte fans seem to agree. Social media lit up with Hornets supporters praising the pick, with hashtags like #KonHive and #BuzzCity trending within minutes. While some analysts debated whether Knueppel could have gone even higher, most agreed that his fit with the Hornets is near perfect.

Knueppel joins a young, talented roster that includes point guard LaMelo Ball, defensive anchor Mark Williams, and emerging star Brandon Miller. With Knueppel’s shooting and floor-spacing ability, Charlotte suddenly looks like a team poised to take a significant leap in the Eastern Conference standings.

For Knueppel, the moment was both surreal and symbolic. After all, this is a kid who dreamed of playing under the bright lights — but never imagined his basketball journey would take him from a Badger-loving household to the heart of Duke’s powerhouse program and now to the NBA as a top-four pick.

“It’s crazy when I think about it,” Knueppel said during his introductory Hornets interview. “I grew up watching the Badgers, loving the game, but also dreaming big. Duke gave me that opportunity to grow and compete at the highest level, and now I get to bring everything I’ve learned to Charlotte. I’m ready to work.”

The work ethic is one of Knueppel’s trademarks. Those close to him often speak of early mornings in the gym, relentless shooting drills, and his obsessive commitment to refining his craft. His high school coach once described him as “the most prepared player I’ve ever seen,” while Duke’s Jon Scheyer praised his maturity and ability to adapt to the college game seamlessly.

Even NBA legends have taken notice. During pre-draft workouts, Knueppel drew comparisons to some of the league’s best pure shooters, with analysts likening his game to a hybrid of Klay Thompson and Gordon Hayward — a skilled wing with size, shooting, and an unselfish approach.

But the journey hasn’t always been smooth. Knueppel faced doubters early in his career, with some questioning his athleticism and defensive potential. Yet, every step of the way, he silenced critics through production and poise. His performance against top-tier opponents, both in college and during draft combine evaluations, erased most concerns and solidified his lottery status.

For Hornets fans, the buzz is justified. Charlotte has long craved a reliable wing who can knock down shots, stretch defenses, and complement their core. In Knueppel, they’re getting exactly that — along with the intangibles of leadership, winning DNA, and basketball pedigree.

Off the court, Knueppel has already embraced his new city. Despite growing up a Badger fan, his ties to Wisconsin remain strong, but he’s eager to plant roots in Charlotte. His family, proud but pragmatic, has supported every step of his journey, understanding that opportunities like this don’t come often.

“To be here, to hear my name called, it’s a dream,” Knueppel added. “But the work doesn’t stop now. I want to help this team win, bring energy to the fans, and compete every night. That’s what I’m about.”

And so, the next chapter begins. From a Badger-loving kid in Milwaukee to a Duke star at Cameron, and now, the newest face of the Charlotte Hornets. The NBA world is watching — and Charlotte is buzzing louder than ever.