Kager Knueppel, a 6-foot-10 guard from Wisconsin Lutheran, is gaining attention from top college programs, including a recent offer from Duke. His impressive performance at the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League has sparked increased recruitment activity.
Key points
Kager Knueppel is a rising senior at Wisconsin Lutheran.
He received a recent offer from Duke University.
Knueppel performed well at the Nike EYBL in Atlanta.
He shot 46.7% from the field over three games.
His performance included a 5-of-7 game from three-point range.
Mentioned in this story
Kager KnueppelKon KnueppelDuke University
Nike Elite Youth Basketball LeagueTeam Herro
Kager Knueppel's recruitment heating up ahead of senior season
Wisconsin Lutheran rising senior Kager Knueppel's recruitment is heating up, highlighted by a recent offer from Duke where brother Kon went one-and-done before being drafted No. 4 overall in the NBA Draft.
Several top programs are inquiring about the 6-foot-10 guard fresh off a standout showing at Nike Elite Youth Basketball League in Atlanta at the end of April. Knueppel shot 46.7% from the field over three games playing with several other top Wisconsin-based recruits for Team Herro, highlighted by a 5-of-7 game from three leading to 17 points in a 71-58 win over PSA Cardinals (NY) and a 6-of-12 showing from distance with 20 points in a 75-67 win over Team Why Not (CA).
"Everything picked up after the Atlanta EYBL Session 1. Lots of phone calls and texts," Knueppel told the Journal Sentinel.
Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) breaks around Madison Memorial's Cole Slack (5) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Lutheran's Jamail Sewell (32) elevates for two against Madison Memorial during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Q&A
What recent offer did Kager Knueppel receive?
Kager Knueppel recently received an offer from Duke University.
How did Kager Knueppel perform at the Nike EYBL?
He shot 46.7% from the field and scored 17 points in one game and 20 points in another.
What is Kager Knueppel's height and position?
Kager Knueppel is a 6-foot-10 guard.
Which team did Kager Knueppel play for during the EYBL?
He played for Team Herro during the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League.
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Wisconsin Lutheran's Riley Walz (2) tries for three against Madison Memorial during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) is blocked by Madison Memorial's Andrew Braun (11) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Lutheran students cheer on their team against Madison Memorial during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Madison Memorial's Caleb Liggon (4) steals a pass from Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Lutheran's Jamail Sewell (32) is fouled under the hoop during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game against Madison Memorial on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Lutheran's Jamail Sewell (32) shoots from the line against Madison Memorial during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Madison Memorial's Kimyora Cross Jr (32) elevates for two against Wisconsin Lutheran during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Lutheran's Kendall Newman (24) breaks for the paint against Madison Memorial during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Madison Memorial's Lavonte Johnson (15) grabs a rebound from Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) breaks past Madison Memorial's Lavonte Johnson (15) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) elevates for three over Madison Memorial's Cole Slack (5) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Madison Memorial students cheer for their team during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game against Wisconsin Lutheran on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
1 / 14
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship
Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) breaks around Madison Memorial's Cole Slack (5) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
1 / 14
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship
Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) breaks around Madison Memorial's Cole Slack (5) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
2 / 14
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship
Wisconsin Lutheran's Jamail Sewell (32) elevates for two against Madison Memorial during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
3 / 14
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship
Wisconsin Lutheran's Riley Walz (2) tries for three against Madison Memorial during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
4 / 14
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship
Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) is blocked by Madison Memorial's Andrew Braun (11) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
5 / 14
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship
Wisconsin Lutheran students cheer on their team against Madison Memorial during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
6 / 14
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship
Madison Memorial's Caleb Liggon (4) steals a pass from Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
7 / 14
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship
Wisconsin Lutheran's Jamail Sewell (32) is fouled under the hoop during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game against Madison Memorial on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
8 / 14
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship
Wisconsin Lutheran's Jamail Sewell (32) shoots from the line against Madison Memorial during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
9 / 14
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship
Madison Memorial's Kimyora Cross Jr (32) elevates for two against Wisconsin Lutheran during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
10 / 14
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship
Wisconsin Lutheran's Kendall Newman (24) breaks for the paint against Madison Memorial during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship
Madison Memorial's Lavonte Johnson (15) grabs a rebound from Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
12 / 14
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship
Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) breaks past Madison Memorial's Lavonte Johnson (15) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
13 / 14
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship
Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) elevates for three over Madison Memorial's Cole Slack (5) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Madison Memorial in WIAA D1 boys basketball state championship
Madison Memorial students cheer for their team during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game against Wisconsin Lutheran on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
As of the first week of May, Knueppel reports offers from Purdue, Wisconsin, Butler, Michigan, University of Illinois-Chicago, Saint Louis University, Toledo, DePaul, Xavier, University of North Carolina-Charlotte, Northern Michigan and Texas A&M in addition to the recent Duke offer. Also showing interest have been Marquette, Northern Iowa, Utah State, Iowa, Minnesota, Louisville, Alabama, Kentucky and Illinois, where cousin Zavier Zens just committed.
He also took an official visit to Purdue, which he told the Journal Sentinel was a "10/10." Knueppel added that playing pick-up basketball alongside younger brother and Class of 2028 recruit Kinston Knueppel against current Purdue players was a highlight of the visit. A visit with Duke is also in the works.
The latter, of course, is where older brother Kon spent the 2024-25 season before becoming a top NBA draft pick. Watching Kon go through a similar recruiting process just a couple years back informed his own as it has taken shape in the latter stages of his high school career.
"I liked his priorities," Kager Knueppel said. "Go to a place that has the best player he could compete with daily, have the chance to win a national championship, and have fun doing it. Those are some of my goals in picking a school too."
As for his own timeframe, Kager expects to lock in his commitment well before the start of the 2026-27 high school season. In the meantime, he is working on improving as a prospect so he can hit the collegiate floor running in 2027.
"I hope to make my decision this spring," Knueppel said. "My main goal is to keep getting better, so that's an every day thing. Offers and recruitment are great, but if I can't perform I'm not going to reach my goals."
Knueppel has been a leading contributor on the past two WIAA state title teams of what has been a three-peat for Wisconsin Lutheran. As a sophomore, he averaged 13.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists in his first season as a regular starter for a Vikings program that won the 2025 WIAA Division 1 state title. As a junior in the 2025-26 season, Knueppel showed marked improvement as a shooter from distance while increasing his averages to 16.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists to help lead Wisconsin Lutheran to WIAA gold for the third straight season.
Wisconsin Lutheran's Kinston Knueppel (34) is fouled by Appleton North's Matthew Rosplochowski (2) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) elevates for a shot over Appleton North's Ben Zdzieblowski (14) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Lutheran's Jamail Sewell (32) elevates for two against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Lutheran's Kinston Knueppel (34) is fouled by Appleton North's Ben Zdzieblowski (14) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Lutheran's Kinston Knueppel (34) shoots from the line against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Lutheran's Kendall Newman (24) brings the ball downcourt against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) breaks around Appleton North's Ben Zdzieblowski (14) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Appleton North's Nathan Ramus (4) blocks a shot by Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) breaks around Appleton North's Nathan Ramus (4) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Lutheran's Kendall Newman (24) grabs a rebound against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) elevates for a shot over Appleton North's Nathan Ramus (4) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) elevates for two against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) elevates for two against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
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Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal
Wisconsin Lutheran's Kinston Knueppel (34) is fouled by Appleton North's Matthew Rosplochowski (2) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
1 / 13
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal
Wisconsin Lutheran's Kinston Knueppel (34) is fouled by Appleton North's Matthew Rosplochowski (2) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
2 / 13
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal
Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) elevates for a shot over Appleton North's Ben Zdzieblowski (14) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
3 / 13
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal
Wisconsin Lutheran's Jamail Sewell (32) elevates for two against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
4 / 13
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal
Wisconsin Lutheran's Kinston Knueppel (34) is fouled by Appleton North's Ben Zdzieblowski (14) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
5 / 13
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal
Wisconsin Lutheran's Kinston Knueppel (34) shoots from the line against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
6 / 13
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal
Wisconsin Lutheran's Kendall Newman (24) brings the ball downcourt against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
7 / 13
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal
Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) breaks around Appleton North's Ben Zdzieblowski (14) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
8 / 13
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal
Appleton North's Nathan Ramus (4) blocks a shot by Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
9 / 13
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal
Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) breaks around Appleton North's Nathan Ramus (4) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
10 / 13
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal
Wisconsin Lutheran's Kendall Newman (24) grabs a rebound against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
11 / 13
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal
Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) elevates for a shot over Appleton North's Nathan Ramus (4) during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
12 / 13
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal
Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) elevates for two against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
13 / 13
Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Appleton North in 2026 WIAA D1 boys basketball state semifinal
Wisconsin Lutheran's Kager Knueppel (1) elevates for two against Appleton North during their WIAA Division 1 state semifinal basketball game on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
