Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel put up an impressive outing as the Toronto Raptors saw their nine-game unbeaten streak end on Saturday. The former Duke star’s personal admission in the post-game presser revealed a stunning truth behind his connection to referee Kole Knueppel, who officiated the Ohio-Michigan NCAA rivalry game.Knueppel asserted that his uncle officiates high-level games as a top-level referee. He added that he gets regular updates from him.“My uncle Kole refereed the game,” Knueppel said per Nick Carboni of WCNC. “He’s been refereeing the big time for a while. He’s a white hat. He texts me every week, pictures of where he’s at and today he sent me a picture of an Ohio State mug and a Michigan mug right next to each other.”Kole Knueppel was at the center of a controversial decision during the game between Michigan and Ohio State on Saturday. He upheld wide receiver Jeremiah Smith’s touchdown on video review after Smith appeared to juggle the ball as he crossed the goal line, before he lost it at the back of the end zone.The Hornets’ rookie recorded 20 points, six rebounds and four assists as Charlotte won 118-111 in overtime against the visiting Raptors. The forward is averaging 18.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game, while shooting 47% from the field and 41.3% from the 3-point mark.What’s next for Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel?Kon Knueppel played a big role in the Hornets’ win over the Raptors on Saturday. He scored a leaning corner 3-pointer with about 10 seconds left, which forced overtime.The Hornets have relied on him as the team’s primary offensive threat with stars LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller either being rested or struggling. His performance has seen him become the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, ahead of Dallas Mavericks rookie and former Duke teammate Cooper Flagg.Duke players L-R Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg, during the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery at McCormick Place. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn ImagesHe has to show more consistency and produce in tough games. Next for the Hornets is a road game against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday.