2024 Kon Knueppel put up some of the EYBL's best numbers, and power programs took notice

Kon Knueppel was on fire this summer. The 6-foot-5 Knueppel played with Phenom U on Nike’s EYBL 16u Circuit, where he averaged 20.9-points, 5.6-rebounds, and 3.6-assists per game while shooting 43.6 percent from three. The class of 2024 wing also added 1.1-steal and 1.1-block per game.

“I try and make the right play,” Knueppel told On3. “Whether it’s finding the open teammate or knocking down the open shot. I’m a three-point shooter, but I like to get to the rack and surprise people athletically. I watch a lot of Luka Doncic. He almost moves in slow motion, but every movement has a purpose with him.”

The Milwaukee native caught the eye of college coaches who have already started to make him a priority. On3 recently caught up with Kon Knueppel to discuss where his recruitment is currently.

“I’m hearing a lot from Marquette and Wisconsin, my local schools,” Knueppel said. “Iowa and Stanford are all in regular contact too. I want to get to see Michigan State, probably go see Marquette and Wisconsin again.”

**(editors note- Ohio State offered Knueppel today – Aug 12 – after we conducted this interview)

Knueppel talks recruitment

Marquette: “I love Shaka (Smart); he is a great dude, a really intelligent guy. With them, it’s all about playing hard. They always talk about ‘getting lost in the fight,’ it doesn’t matter what happens in the game; just get lost in it. It doesn’t matter if shots aren’t falling or the calls aren’t going your way; just get lost in the fight and compete.”

Wisconsin: “They are about character building over there, building players off the court too. They have a lot of great guys over there, on their squad and great people on their staff.”

Stanford: “They think I’m a great fit for them; they let me know that a lot. They are all about making the right play and playing as a team. I think that fits what I do.”

Iowa: “Iowa is about freedom; they just let their players play. They recruit smart players and let them go on the floor and make players. I like they let their guys go out there and do their thing.”

Michigan State: “I’ve only talked to them a few times, and mostly over text. I would like to go see more of what they go, get to know them and their program.”

Knueppel’s take

“One my biggest things, really my whole family’s biggest things, in this recruiting process is finding a place that keeps basketball fun,” Knueppel said. “Basketball is a sport; you must have fun while playing. At that level, things can get to be more of a job, but I want to go somewhere where it can stay fun and keep it competitive.”

On3’s take

Kon Knueppel is a strong-framed wing who is incredibly efficient on the offensive end. He sees the game well, both on and off the ball. Knueppel is an excellent passer, with vision in transition or in the half-court. He cuts with purpose off the ball, often finding open looks for himself and/or his teammates. He is a smooth shooter with deep range, and his mechanics stay consistent both off the catch and the bounce. Knueppel is a good team defender, while his lateral quickness may be one of the few questions in his game. He has sneaky bounce at the rim and can put down a dunk in traffic. Shot 52% FG, 43% 3P, and 80% FT in 21 EYBL games this summer.