Join Us
Kager Knueppel, a 6’8” forward from Wisconsin Lutheran High School, is quickly making a name for himself and stepping out of the shadow of his big bro, Duke guard Kon Kneuppel. Let’s dive into a detailed scouting report to better understand his game and potential,
Physical Attributes:
Standing at 6’8”, Kager has a lean frame typical of many players his age. As he matures, he is expected to naturally add more weight and muscle. He possesses excellent length, highlighted by incredibly long arms and an impressive wingspan. While he still has room to fully grow into his physique, his coordination, fluidity, and footwork already show promising signs for his long-term development.
Scoring Ability:
Knueppel is a highly versatile scorer, capable of attacking the paint off the dribble while also showcasing an exceptional shooting touch from both distance and mid-range. He demonstrates a knack for making timely, deliberate cuts and employs a variety of finishing techniques, including floaters and leveraging his size to draw fouls. Knueppel’s strong basketball IQ is evident in his ability to effectively utilize his passing skills, whether catching the ball on a cut or penetrating into the paint. His ability to play off two feet provides excellent balance, enhancing his effectiveness as both a shooter and attacker.
Family Ties: Duke Connection
Kager’s older brother, Kon, is currently excelling at Duke and is on track to secure him a spot as a lottery pick in this year’s NBA Draft, should he choose to go the one-and-done route. While there are some similarities in their playing styles, Kager is carving out his own unique path, which may or may not include following in his brother’s footsteps to Duke. If Kager continues to develop at his current pace, it’s easy to envision Duke becoming heavily involved in his recruitment if he becomes an elite prospect.
Basketball IQ:
Coming from a family with a strong basketball lineage, Kager exemplifies a high basketball IQ and a deep understanding of how to play the game the right way. He reads defenses effectively and makes smart, calculated decisions with the ball. Off the ball, he excels at finding open spaces on the floor and timing his cuts to the basket perfectly. His court vision and passing ability are standout assets, as he consistently avoids forcing shots and looks to create easy scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Areas for Improvement:
Strength and Physicality: While he has a good frame, Knueppel could benefit from adding more muscle to his upper body, especially as he faces stronger defenders at higher levels. Improving his physicality in the post and on defense will help him compete at the highest levels of the game.
Conclusion:
Kager Knueppel is a talented, well-rounded forward who has all the tools to be a major force in high school basketball and beyond. His combination of size, skill, and athleticism makes him a matchup nightmare, and as he continues to develop, there’s little doubt that he’ll be a key player to watch in the 2027 class. With further refinement in his shooting, ball handling, and physicality, Knueppel’s potential is sky-high. Schools looking for a versatile forward with the ability to contribute in many facets of the game will certainly want to keep an eye on him in the coming years.
As he continues to grow and refine his game, Kager Knueppel is undoubtedly a name that will be on the radar of top college programs in the near future.