“It’s All Love”: Duke’s Khaman Maluach Sends Message to Kon Knueppel After Declaring for NBA Draft
Khaman Maluach’s rise to prominence in the basketball world has been meteoric, and his latest move marks yet another milestone in a young but already storied journey. The 7-foot-2 South Sudanese center officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft this week, ending his brief but impactful tenure at Duke. But in the midst of the celebration and anticipation surrounding his professional future, Maluach made sure to shine a light on someone else—his former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel.
Maluach and Knueppel arrived at Duke as part of a vaunted freshman class that carried sky-high expectations. Despite their very different backgrounds and playing styles, the two developed a bond that extended far beyond the basketball court. When Maluach made his announcement on social media, his message included a shoutout to Knueppel that caught the attention of Duke fans and NBA scouts alike: “To my brother Kon—keep doing you. The world’s about to see what I already know. It’s all love.”
It wasn’t just a sentimental gesture. It was a passing of the torch, a moment of humility and brotherhood from a player with a global spotlight now aimed squarely on him. And for those who have followed Duke’s season, the gesture made perfect sense. Maluach and Knueppel weren’t just teammates—they were a one-two punch in practice, sounding boards in the locker room, and students of the game who made each other better every single day.
Maluach’s decision to enter the NBA Draft was expected. From the moment he committed to Duke, there was widespread belief that he could be a one-and-done lottery pick. His physical tools are impossible to ignore—a true seven-footer with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, graceful movement, and an already refined shot-blocking presence. Add to that a developing offensive game and a high basketball IQ, and it’s no wonder scouts have been penciling him in as a top-five selection all season long.
Yet it was his emotional maturity and leadership that left just as deep an impression on those around him, especially younger teammates like Knueppel, who joined the Blue Devils as a sharpshooter from Wisconsin and quickly emerged as one of the program’s most consistent perimeter threats. While Maluach soared in the paint, Knueppel spaced the floor and found his rhythm from beyond the arc. The pairing was complementary and effective, both on the court and within Duke’s locker room culture.
Their connection, according to insiders close to the program, went beyond the typical freshman camaraderie. Maluach, having spent years at the NBA Academy Africa and playing internationally for South Sudan, brought a worldliness and perspective that influenced everyone around him. Knueppel, though more reserved publicly, matched that intensity with work ethic and an analytical approach to the game. They challenged each other in practice. They studied film together. They stayed late after workouts to get extra shots up.
As the season progressed, it became clear that both players would leave a lasting impact on Duke’s storied program—Maluach with his presence and potential, Knueppel with his poise and precision. And while Maluach’s exit was anticipated, many believe Knueppel is now poised to take the next step as a featured piece of Duke’s offense in the coming year.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without my teammates, and Kon especially,” Maluach said during a Zoom call with reporters following his draft announcement. “People don’t see all the little things. Kon pushes me in practice, he watches film with me, he tells me when I’m slacking, and he picks me up when I need it. I told him—this is your time now.”
The message resonated not just with Knueppel, who reposted Maluach’s statement with a blue heart emoji and the words “Forever my brother,” but with the broader Duke community. In a program known for cultivating NBA talent and high-profile departures, it’s not uncommon for players to leave after one season. But it’s rare to see such a heartfelt and public acknowledgment of a teammate who is staying behind.
It also speaks volumes about the kind of teammate Maluach is. For all the attention surrounding his draft stock, mock projections, and highlight reels, he’s never lost sight of the relationships that have grounded him. Coaches at Duke frequently praised his humility and willingness to learn, traits that were evident from his first day on campus. He was the first to volunteer for community outreach events. He made it a point to know the names of team staff members, not just his fellow players.
And for Knueppel, who’s now expected to take on a more prominent role in Jon Scheyer’s offense, Maluach’s gesture isn’t just sentimental—it’s empowering. With his fellow freshman star now gone, Knueppel will inherit a leadership mantle earlier than some expected. But if his freshman campaign was any indication, he’s more than ready for it. He shot over 40% from three-point range, made key plays in late-game situations, and emerged as one of Duke’s most dependable two-way players.
There’s also an emotional weight to the dynamic between the two players. Maluach, born in Ethiopia and raised amid political unrest before finding a path through basketball, represents the hope and resilience of a new generation of African talent making waves on the international stage. Knueppel, meanwhile, is the latest in a long line of Midwestern gym rats—players who rise through the AAU circuit, earn respect with hard work, and quietly let their play do the talking.
Their bond, then, was unlikely but deeply meaningful. Maluach was quick to point out that Knueppel’s understanding of the game and calm under pressure were things he respected deeply. “People don’t know how smart Kon is,” he said. “His feel for the game, his timing, his patience—those are things that don’t always show up on highlights, but they win you games. He’s got that in him.”
As for the NBA, Maluach is embracing the challenge ahead. Projected as a potential top-three pick, he’ll have the opportunity to showcase his game during the pre-draft process. Scouts will be watching his footwork, his ability to defend in space, and his evolving offensive skill set. But it’s safe to say that whatever team drafts him won’t just be getting a physical marvel—they’ll be getting a teammate who understands the value of connection, humility, and support.
That’s a message Kon Knueppel won’t soon forget. In a sport often dominated by ego and competition, Maluach’s tribute serves as a reminder that greatness is rarely achieved alone. His success is a product of community, of teammates who sharpen and shape one another, and of bonds that endure long after the final buzzer.
In a few months, Maluach will hear his name called on draft night. He’ll shake hands with NBA executives, don a new cap, and step into the next phase of his life. But somewhere in Durham, Knueppel will be watching—proud, inspired, and ready to carry the torch. And if this season was any indication, he won’t just carry it. He’ll run with it.
