Duke Freshman Kon Knueppel Defends His Wisconsin Roots Ahead of Final Four

San Antonio, Texas – As the NCAA Final Four kicks off later this evening, anticipation is building around the matchup between the Duke Blue Devils and the Houston Cougars. Among the players to watch is Duke freshman Kon Knueppel, who has recently found himself at the center of a social media controversy regarding his basketball roots.

A photo circulating on social media captures a young Knueppel during the 2015 Final Four in Indianapolis, where he is seen wearing a Wisconsin Badgers jersey. The image, posted by @TheHoopHerald on X (formerly Twitter), claimed that Knueppel was ‘watching Duke’ during that event. However, many Wisconsin fans quickly contested the narrative, reminding everyone that Knueppel grew up cheering for the Badgers.

“He wasn’t there for Duke,” one fan tweeted, while others chimed in, pointing out the unmistakable red of Knueppel’s jersey. Fans recalled that the 2015 Final Four featured the Badgers facing off against the undefeated Kentucky Wildcats, while Duke faced Michigan State. Despite the excitement surrounding Duke’s current success, it’s clear Knueppel’s loyalties lay elsewhere during his formative years.

Kon Knueppel grew up in Milwaukee, where basketball runs in the family. His father, also named Kon, amassed over 2,000 points at Wisconsin Lutheran College and later earned a spot in the school’s Hall of Fame. Before making a name for himself at Duke, Knueppel attended Wisconsin Lutheran High School, further solidifying his ties to Badger basketball.

As Duke prepares for their showdown with Houston in the Alamodome at 8:49 p.m. ET on April 5, the discussion surrounding Knueppel’s past has continued. Some Wisconsin fans expressed frustration that he did not join their team, citing the missed opportunity for the player they hoped would don the Badgers’ colors. “This was the moment he realized,” one fan speculated, alluding to Knueppel’s decision to commit to Duke, “the calls went towards the Blue Devils, and to win a title, he had to join them.”

Despite the mixed emotions from Wisconsin fans, Knueppel has made a significant impact in the current NCAA tournament, averaging 14.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. His effective 3-point shooting at 40% and stellar free-throw percentage of 91% highlight his contributions to Duke’s success. “This kid was born for this,” another fan remarked, capturing the duality of his journey as a player and his previous allegiance.

Duke’s upcoming game against Houston will not only determine their chance at the national championship but also showcase Knueppel’s growth from a young fan in a Wisconsin jersey to a key player on one of college basketball’s most storied teams. The clash of these two powerhouse programs is sure to deliver the intensity and drama that fans have come to expect from March Madness.