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Konn Knukeppel heard his name called pretty early during the NBA draft Wednesday night.
Charlotte Hornets chose the former Duke Blue Devils star with No. 4 selection. He went three elections after his teammate, Cooper Flagg, was taken No. 1 by Dalla’s Mavericks.
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Konnukppel, Right, stands with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being chosen as the fourth election of Charlotte Hornets in the first round of 2025 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on June 25, 2025. (Brad Penner-Preferred Pictures)
Knukppel was with his brothers when he spoke with ESPN after the selection and praised the Lord for being able to become a professional.
“I mean it is such a blessing from God to be able to enter the NBA, but to be able to share it with your family is without understanding. It is such a special moment for us and for me,” he said.
Kash Knukppel was one of the four brothers who were with him on the draft evening. He was asked to hype his brother up.
“It’s amazing. It’s a blessing from God. He wants fun – every minute of it. It will be great to see him from home,” he said.
Duke Blue Devils Guard Knukeppel, #7, during an exercise session for the last four of the 2025 NCAA tournament in Alamodome in San Antonio on April 4, 2025. (Bob Donnan-Preferred Pictures)
Mavericks Select Cooper Flagg with top choice in 2025 NBA draft after controversial lottery
Knuppel briefly mentioned his Christian belief in an interview with rivals in February 2023. He said it was a big reason why he was considering Virginia at the time before he ultimately decided to join Duke. Tony Bennett was the head coach of Cavaliers at the time.
“I’ve told a few people this, but when I went on my visit there, Coach (Tony) Bennett said he wanted me to know that Virginia is a tro -based program,” he said at the time. “It is something that is stuck with me to be a Christian.
“It’s something that is really important to me, so it was great to hear and something I don’t always hear. They also have a good, good program. They’ve been the best in ACC for a long time now.”
File – Duke Guard/Forward Kon Knuppel, #7, shoots over Syracuse -vagt JJ Starling, #2, during the first half of a NCAA College Basketball Camp in Syracuse, New York, Wednesday, February 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus, File)
Knueppel played a season at Duke. He average 14.4 points and 4 rebounds per Match.
