DURHAM, N.C. Knueppel Responds to Tyrese Proctor Following NBA Draft Announcement

DURHAM, N.C. — As NBA Draft declarations continue to shape the college basketball landscape, Duke guard Tyrese Proctor became the latest Blue Devil to officially throw his name into the 2025 NBA Draft pool. And among the first to react publicly to Proctor’s decision? None other than fellow teammate and rising Duke star, Kon Knueppel.

Proctor, a sophomore guard from Australia, announced his draft decision earlier this week via a video posted to social media, thanking Duke fans, coaches, and teammates for two memorable years in Durham. His departure marks the end of a college career filled with growth, poise, and leadership, particularly during the 2024–25 season when he took on a major role as both floor general and veteran voice for a young Blue Devils squad.

Shortly after the announcement, Knueppel took to his own social media platforms to send a heartfelt message to Proctor — one that reflects both respect and gratitude for their time as teammates.

“From day one, you were a leader, a brother, and someone I looked up to,” Knueppel wrote. “Appreciate everything you taught me on and off the court. Go kill it at the next level, T. Proud of you, always.”

The post quickly gained traction among Duke fans and college hoops followers, with many praising Knueppel’s maturity and the strong chemistry that existed between the two guards throughout the season. Though both came from different backgrounds — Proctor with international experience and Knueppel as a rising freshman sharpshooter from Wisconsin — their on-court connection became a cornerstone of Duke’s offensive flow.

Throughout the 2024–25 season, Proctor often handled primary ball-handling duties while Knueppel flourished as an off-ball threat, knocking down three-pointers at an impressive clip and spacing the floor with his high-IQ movement. Together, they provided balance in Duke’s backcourt — a combination of savvy and smooth shooting that gave opponents headaches.

Now, with Proctor heading to the pros, Knueppel is expected to step into a larger role not just in production, but in leadership.

Rising Responsibilities for Knueppel

Knueppel, who averaged 13.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in his freshman campaign, is considered one of the most promising returning players in college basketball — assuming he doesn’t also test the NBA Draft waters himself. While no official announcement has been made regarding his draft intentions, sources close to the program say Knueppel is carefully weighing his options, especially in light of the increased role he would take on should he return.

If he does come back, Knueppel would likely serve as the focal point of Duke’s perimeter attack and a key leader in a locker room that will lose veterans like Proctor and potentially top freshman Cooper Flagg as well.

A Legacy of Brotherhood

Proctor’s exit also highlights the culture of brotherhood Duke continues to build under head coach Jon Scheyer. The public exchange between Proctor and Knueppel wasn’t just for show — it reflected the bond built within the program.

“This is what Duke is all about — guys lifting each other up, supporting one another no matter where the next chapter leads,” said Scheyer in a statement following Proctor’s announcement. “Tyrese gave everything to this program, and seeing Kon show that kind of support shows me we’re still building something special here.”

As draft season continues, the focus will naturally shift to who’s staying, who’s going, and what the Blue Devils will look like next year. But one thing is certain: the bond between players like Proctor and Knueppel goes deeper than the stat sheet. It’s about legacy, mentorship, and passing the torch.

And as Tyrese Proctor heads to the NBA, that torch may soon be in the hands of Kon Knueppel — a rising star ready to leave his own mark in Durham.

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