2025 NBA Draft: Insights from Top Prospects Kon Knueppel and Cedric Coward

As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, NBA draft analyst Kevin O'Connor sat down with two of the top prospects during the draft combine in Chicago last week: Kon Knueppel and Cedric Coward. Kon Knueppel, currently ranked No. 5 on the Big Board, is projected to be a top-10 pick in the draft. In the interview, he discussed his development as a shot creator at Duke, his focus on expanding his offensive arsenal, and the lessons learned from a heartbreaking loss in the Final Four of the NCAA tournament. Knueppel also talked about his NBA playoffs, his basketball influences, including Klay Thompson and Jimmy Butler, and the impact of family and faith on his career. Cedric Coward, who has risen from D-III basketball player to projected first-round pick, detailed his versatile skill set, draft combine performance, and the work ethic that led to his improved shooting and playmaking. He also shared lessons learned from his Olympic gold-medalist grandfather, his NBA player comps (including Kawhi Leonard) and what drives his obsession with basketball. Both Knueppel and Coward's interviews are available on YouTube for fans to watch. Additionally, fans can tune into "The Kevin O'Connor Show" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube to catch more interviews with top prospects in the coming days. The interviews provide valuable insights into the minds of these two talented prospects as they prepare for what could be their biggest moment in basketball yet. With their unique stories and perspectives, it's clear that both Knueppel and Coward are poised to make a significant impact in the NBA.