Jon Scheyer Scouts Future Blue Devil Targets In Clash Between 2028’s Top Prospect And Younger Brother Of Duke Star Kon Knueppel
The world of high school basketball recruiting is always in motion, with top college coaches constantly evaluating, projecting, and building relationships years in advance. In a recent high-profile matchup that drew significant attention in recruiting circles, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer was spotted courtside, watching as one of the top prospects in the 2028 class went head-to-head with the younger brother of current Blue Devil standout Kon Knueppel. The presence of Scheyer, still early into his tenure as Duke’s head coach but already deeply entrenched in the modern recruiting landscape, added weight to what was already a marquee matchup between future stars. It was not just a scouting trip—it was a glimpse into the future of Duke basketball and possibly the next great pipeline of talent in Durham.
At the center of this attention was the younger Knueppel brother—Lucas Knueppel—who has already begun carving out his own identity on the court. Though comparisons to his older brother are inevitable, Lucas has shown he is not simply a clone of Kon. While Kon Knueppel made his name with polished perimeter play, elite shot-making, and high basketball IQ, Lucas brings a different kind of versatility to the court. He’s a bit more explosive off the bounce, more of a combo guard with the potential to slide between point and shooting guard depending on team need. He has a developing jumper, great vision, and an aggressive defensive motor that’s caught the eye of evaluators across the country.
Scheyer, of course, is well-acquainted with the Knueppel family. Kon has become a key piece of Duke’s program—his mix of poise, shooting, and leadership has made him a valuable contributor in big moments. That familiarity gives Lucas a natural connection to the program, but it also puts pressure on him to prove that he is more than just a legacy recruit. And in front of Scheyer and a host of other scouts, Lucas delivered in a big way.
From the opening tip, the matchup was intense. The 2028 top prospect on the other side—a 6-foot-8 forward named Devin Marsh—has been garnering national attention for the past year. With offers already rolling in from elite programs, Marsh is widely regarded as a future one-and-done candidate. He’s long, athletic, and plays with the kind of confidence that makes coaches take notice. His game is built on a strong face-up skillset, elite rebounding, and the ability to defend multiple positions. Marsh has been called the best player in the country for his class by more than one national analyst, and his performance in this game did nothing to dispel that notion.
But while Marsh was excellent—finishing with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks—it was Lucas Knueppel’s poise, shot-making, and floor leadership that stole the night. The younger Knueppel scored 22 points on efficient shooting, added 7 assists, and showed an ability to control tempo far beyond his years. He didn’t back down from the challenge of facing Marsh and was instrumental in his team’s late-game push, which ultimately led to a narrow win. More than the stats, it was the intangibles that stood out: the way Lucas organized his team on offense, the way he dug in defensively, and the confidence he displayed in taking—and making—big shots when it mattered most.
For Scheyer, the game offered exactly the kind of early insight coaches crave. It’s not just about who can score 30 points in a high school gym—it’s about who competes, who leads, and who can elevate their teammates. Lucas Knueppel checked those boxes, and his performance only strengthened the belief that he could eventually follow his brother to Duke. While no official offer has been extended yet—2028 prospects are still early in the process—Scheyer’s visible presence spoke volumes.
Duke’s recruiting strategy under Scheyer has placed an emphasis on building strong relationships early, particularly with players and families who understand the culture and expectations of the program. The Knueppels fit that mold. With Kon thriving in Durham and Lucas now rising in his own right, the prospect of keeping it in the family has clear appeal. But it’s not automatic. Scheyer and his staff are meticulous evaluators, and Lucas will need to continue developing his game, especially his outside shooting and strength, as he moves through his high school years.
Beyond Lucas, the matchup also provided a platform for Marsh to further cement his status as the No. 1 player in the class. His dominance in the paint, his improved ball-handling, and his ability to anchor a defense make him a surefire future NBA talent. But perhaps most impressive was his approach—focused, intense, and willing to rise to the occasion. Coaches like Scheyer take note of that, even if Duke may face an uphill battle in ultimately landing someone of Marsh’s caliber given the national competition.
After the game, Scheyer was seen speaking briefly with both players and their families, offering words of encouragement and beginning the delicate process of long-term relationship building. These early touchpoints can be pivotal in future recruitment. Players remember who believed in them early, who showed up, and who treated them with respect and honesty. Scheyer, known for his authenticity and player-first approach, is building that trust brick by brick.
The presence of Scheyer also sent a message to the wider recruiting landscape: Duke is still here. Despite increasing competition from blue-blood rivals like Kentucky, Kansas, and even the G League Ignite or international pro options, the Blue Devils remain a destination program. And Scheyer’s proactive engagement with the 2028 class suggests he’s playing the long game—identifying future leaders, laying the groundwork, and ensuring that Duke continues to attract not only elite talent but players who fit the program’s ethos.
As the high school season progresses, expect to see more coaches joining the sidelines for games like this one. But few will have the influence that Scheyer commands, especially when evaluating players with strong Duke ties like Lucas Knueppel. There’s a certain magnetism to the Duke brand, and for younger siblings of current stars, that path can be both inspiring and daunting. For Lucas, it seems to be motivating. His performance under pressure, his confidence in big moments, and his willingness to defend and lead all point toward a player built for the spotlight.
For Marsh, the takeaway is just as clear. He is, without question, the best player in the class right now—and likely to stay there unless someone makes a seismic leap. His ceiling is sky-high, and his path could lead him in any direction he chooses. He has the tools to be a top college player or even consider alternative routes to the pros. But if Duke wants to be in the conversation, Scheyer has already made the first move.
In the end, this game was more than a clash between two talented young players. It was a window into the future. A future where names like Knueppel and Marsh could one day light up Cameron Indoor or dominate in other elite arenas. A future where Jon Scheyer continues to mold Duke in his own image—one built on preparation, personal connection, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
And as the final buzzer sounded and players shook hands, Scheyer left the gym with more than just notes on his clipboard. He left with clarity. Clarity that the next wave of talent is not only coming—it’s already here.
