Tony Bennett ‘pulling every connection under the sun’ to land Knueppel

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Some observers believe that 2024 recruiting target Kon Knueppel is the key to getting Virginia back to the Final Four.

Why else would UVA’s Tony Bennett be “pulling every connection under the sun” to land the Milwaukee sharpshooter? That’s what a well-connected, trusted source told a Wisconsin site, “BadgerNotes,” in a recent story.

Many, including myself, believe Knueppel is the missing piece to Virginia’s basketball program, a piece that could help elevate the Cavaliers to lofty heights in the years ahead. Not only is Knueppel perhaps the best shooter in America in his class, but the 6-foot-5, five-star has elite versatility.

Over the rest of the month, Knueppel has visits scheduled to Alabama, Wisconsin, Virginia and Duke. He visited Marquette at the end of August.

Some recruiting insiders believe it’s a two-horse race between UVA and Duke, and to keep your eyes peeled on what happens between five-star forward Cooper Flagg and Duke. Flagg, considered a Duke lean, has reclassified to the 2024 class, and could take a spot that the Blue Devils have open for Knueppel.

Knueppel will be making his second visit to Virginia, following his trip to Alabama this weekend. He’ll be in Charlottesville on Sept. 14-15, then Duke on Sept. 16-17. He is expected to announce a commitment later this month or in early October.