[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktC-WD7lCFk]
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Kevin Knox put his name on the radar while playing for the USA U16 team this spring and the high-flying junior forward’s stock is still rising after a 27-point, 12-rebound performance in a 66-54 win over Charlotte (Fla) on opening night at the City of Palms Classic.
In the first week of December, North Carolina coach Roy Williams offered the 6-foot-7 junior a scholarship after watching his Tampa Catholic (Fla) team play and then one week later he was offered by Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski.
“Coach K told me every time I watch them play to watch Brandon Ingram because that’s what they want me to do when I get up there,” said Knox. “That versatility. Play any position they want. Play the 2 or the 3. They (UNC) want me to play the wing, too. They like to run and that’s what I like to do.”
The five-star prospect is not done collecting offers, either.
“(Kentucky) Coach (John) Calipari has called me a couple times and my dad’s talked to them a lot and I feel an offer coming soon,” said Knox.
“He’s kept himself level-headed even with all of these college coaches coming by,” said his head coach Don Dziagwa. “Still trying to go about his business and become a better player.”
Against Charlotte, Knox had all aspects of his game on display early on. He hit a three from the left wing, while also going coast-to-coast for an acrobatic lay-up, and finishing high above the rim. In the second half, Knox and his teammates turned up the intensity on defense holding Charlotte to just 19 points. Several steals led to fast-break attempts with the crowd rising anytime Knox got out in transition for a highlight reel play.
“Well, his sophomore year he was starting to come around a little, but from his freshman year to where he’s at now,” said Coach Dziagwa. “From his freshman year, a little taller now, he was about 6-5, we thought he had some real potential, but he was what I would call a finesse player where he would finger roll it up, but now he has the opportunity to take it hard to the hole and dunk it. He’s taking it hard to the hole and dunking it and now he’s playing with a lot of confidence after making the USA team.”
Going forward, Knox will have a busy second half of the season trying to lead his team while also trying to squeeze in a few college visits.
“Me and my coach are going to sit down and talk about that, some good times and some good weekends to take off and go visit colleges,” said Knox. “I’m trying to get to states. Its only happened once in school history and I’m trying to make it again this year.”
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Kevin Knox put his name on the radar while playing for the USA U16 team this spring and the high-flying junior forward’s stock is still rising after a 27-point, 12-rebound performance in a 66-54 win over Charlotte (Fla) on opening night at the City of Palms tournament.N
