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Knueppel Brothers Dominate Basketball Scene

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 10:56 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: North Carolina, Wisconsin, Indiana, UNITED STATES

Oak Park, IL - January 31st, 2026 - The name Knueppel is quickly becoming synonymous with basketball excellence. While Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel continues to shine in the NBA, his younger brother, Kager Knueppel, is rapidly ascending the ranks of high school basketball prospects, recently receiving a coveted offer from the University of Nebraska.

Kager, a 6-8, 220-pound forward at Oak Park High School in Illinois, is turning heads with his versatile skillset and impressive statistics. Averaging 18.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and a remarkable 2.8 blocks per game, the rising junior is demonstrating a well-rounded game that college coaches are eager to see develop further. His statistical profile paints a picture of a player capable of impacting all facets of the game - scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and rim protection.

Nebraska's offer is the latest in a growing list of programs expressing interest. Kager has already garnered offers from several other prominent Big Ten and Midwest universities, including Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Northwestern. This level of interest so early in his junior year speaks volumes about his potential. Scouts are particularly impressed with his combination of size, athleticism, and a developing offensive game.

While Kon Knueppel forged his own path, famously playing for Duke University before being drafted into the NBA, the older brother is actively following and supporting Kager's journey. Sources indicate Kon intends to attend as many of his brother's high school games as his NBA schedule permits, offering guidance and encouragement. This sibling support system could prove invaluable for Kager as he navigates the pressures of recruitment and high-level competition.

Currently ranked as a three-star recruit by 247Sports, Kager sits at No. 167 in the 2026 class. However, his trajectory is pointing upwards. Analysts believe that a strong showing during the upcoming AAU season could see his ranking significantly improve. The AAU circuit provides exposure to a wider range of college coaches and allows players to compete against some of the nation's top talent.

What sets Kager apart isn't just his raw statistics but the way he plays. Observers describe him as a fundamentally sound player with a high basketball IQ. He demonstrates a good understanding of spacing, possesses a soft touch around the basket, and is showing flashes of developing a reliable outside shot. Defensively, his length and athleticism allow him to be a disruptive force, contesting shots and protecting the rim.

The recruitment process is heating up, and Kager is likely to receive even more offers in the coming months. The Big Ten, known for its competitive basketball landscape, is clearly intrigued. The potential for Kager to become a key player in a conference filled with perennial powerhouses is driving the early interest. Schools will be looking for him to demonstrate leadership on the court and the ability to consistently perform against strong competition.

The Knueppel family's basketball story is far from over. With Kon already established in the NBA and Kager rapidly emerging as a top prospect, the future looks bright. The question isn't if Kager will play college basketball, but where. The competition for his commitment will be fierce, and schools will need to present a compelling vision for his development to secure his services. Oak Park High School, and the entire Illinois basketball community, will be watching with anticipation as Kager Knueppel continues his journey towards a potential collegiate and professional career.