Knueppel Holds No. 1 Spot as Kia Rookie Ladder Tightens

Kon Knueppel remains the Kia Rookie Ladder leader in a tightening ROY race, edging ahead of Cooper Flagg thanks to durability and Charlotte’s stronger win total, while Knueppel’s deep shooting and efficiency keep him ahead (he’s leading in 3-pointers and flirting with 50/40/90-level accuracy). VJ Edgecombe stays third; Dylan Harper and Derik Queen sit 4th and 5th, with other rookies like Ryan Nembhard and Hugo González making notable contributions as voters prepare for ROY decisions in about six weeks (stats through March 3).