The basketball scene in Wisconsin is buzzing with excitement as Kon Knueppel, a standout rookie in the NBA, finds himself in a thrilling race for the Rookie of the Year title against his former Duke teammate, Cooper Flagg. While Kon's journey took him from a Wisconsin offer to the storied halls of Duke, the focus now shifts to his younger brother, Kager Knueppel.
Greg Gard, Wisconsin's head coach, is back at it, making a strategic move by extending a scholarship offer to Kager after his recent visit. Kager attended the Iowa game and left with the tantalizing prospect of donning a Badgers jersey in two seasons. But the question lingers-will Kager follow in his brother's footsteps, or will Wisconsin manage to secure his commitment?
Kager Knueppel, a junior at Wisconsin Lutheran, is making waves as a 3-star recruit according to 24/7 Sports, with a 4-star composite ranking in the 2027 class. He’s currently the fifth-best player in the state for his class and ranks 17th among power forwards. With offers from DePaul, Purdue, and Toledo already on the table, Wisconsin's offer adds an intriguing dimension to his decision-making process.
Interest in Kager is growing nationwide, though the offers are trickling in as he's still in his junior year. Gard's early engagement could be a crucial factor in swaying Kager's decision.
Unlike his brother, Kager hasn't yet captured the national spotlight, which might play to Wisconsin's advantage. His upcoming performances in both high school and AAU basketball will be pivotal in shaping his recruitment journey.
Kon's recruitment saga saw him flirting with Wisconsin but ultimately choosing Duke, a decision that left Wisconsin fans wondering what might have been. Now, Gard has a chance to rewrite the narrative with Kager, aiming to bring the younger Knueppel into the Badgers' fold. The coming seasons will reveal if Wisconsin can turn the tide in their favor.