Kon Knueppel must make plays
There have been some issues in the Duke backcourt finding a primary playmaker on the floor. As a result, a lot of fans have seen Kon Knueppel take over duties as their primary ballhandler and playmaker. He'll need to be sharp against a gritty Auburn Tigers defense that allows just 66.6 points per game while averaging 86.7 points per game on offense.
Knueppel has shown poise leading the backcourt/perimeter attack for the Blue Devils when given opportunities. Despite the result, he dished out a season-high eight assists to offset his 4-of-14 shooting night against the Kansas Jayhawks in the Vegas Showdown.
He's shown he's capable of taking things over in the backcourt and takes some pressure off of Tyrese Proctor, but he'll need to do it more consistently. Following his eight-assist performance, Knueppel had just one assist against Seattle U in a blowout victory.
He'll certainly need to improve on that number against a much more talented Auburn squad. Look for him to raise his assist average with production against the Tigers.