The Milwaukee Bucks game against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday will be extra significant for one new member of the Hornets in particular. Milwaukee native and Wisconsin Lutheran High School alum Kon Knueppel is making his hometown debut against the Bucks at the same Fiserv Forum he frequented throughout his youth. 

Knueppel was drafted with the No. 4 overall pick in June’s NBA Draft after a stellar one-and-done freshman campaign at Duke. Knueppel, alongside No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and No. 10 overall pick Khaman Malauch, led Duke to 35 wins and the program’s 18th Final Four. 

The Wisconsin native got a soft rehearsal for his hometown return on Wednesday, and it couldn’t have gone better for his team. The Hornets upset the Bucks 111-100 for their fourth and best win of the young season so far. 

Bucks center Myles Turner, who scored 21 points in Wednesday’s loss, spoke about what he likes about the rookie’s game so far. Turner praised his ability to get downhill, as well as his fit with the Hornets.

“I watched him play in college a little bit,” Turner said. “I think he's better than what I anticipated, I will say that. I think he's a decent young player. Obviously, it's a long season. You know what I mean? He's got a lot to learn. I think he's going to continue to keep growing. He's a perfect fit for a team like this. You need someone to get downhill, make plays for others and for himself."

Turner also spoke on just how special it is to play an NBA game in your hometown, especially for the first time, in front of friends, family and teammates from throughout the years. Turner recently had a homecoming game of his own, as the Bucks faced off against the Mavericks in Dallas on Monday.

“Oh, he's from Wisconsin?” Turner said. “That's awesome. That's the best, man. You have all the love and support from your family, former teammates, guys you went to high school with. There's nothing like it. I hope he enjoys and loses himself in the moment. I think that's what it's all about, you know, regardless of your stats, regardless of what you do that game.

“It's an honor and a blessing to go and play back home, you know, in front of, you know, a village that supported you. I wish the best to his family. That's beautiful, for a family to realize a moment like that. You work your entire life to get there. I think it's a really special moment for him.”