Can UNC recruit Kevin Knox away from their top rivals?
Standout five-star prospect Kevin Knox has had a big month after winning a gold medal with USA Basketball at the FIBA U17 World Championship. He released his top 10 this weekend, keeping the Tar Heels in consideration. He also included Alabama, Arizona, Duke, Florida State, Kansas, Kentucky, LSU, Miami, and Villanova in his list.
The six-foot-eight, 195-pound small forward is ranked No. 6 overall in the 2017 recruiting class, according to the 247 Sports composite. They also have him as the No. 2 small forward and the No. 1 prospect out of the state of Florida.
Knox is noted for being a versatile player who can move around the court wherever he’s needed. Scout.com calls him a gifted athlete who is quick on his feet, has good length, and is a strong leaper and passer. They also believe him to be “comfortable in catch and shoot situations.”
Thank you to all teams that have recruited me. After difficult evaluations, here is my Top 10 ?? pic.twitter.com/H8YpsCowKh
— Kev?? (@kevin_knox23) July 17, 2016
Despite all the expectations, Knox isn’t focused on the NBA just yet, instead "I'm focused on a good program that is good for me and my family. Somewhere where I can go and trust the coaches." He has mentioned before that he wants to stay close to home, and his father played football for Florida State, giving them a head start in recruiting. However, he also has family in North and South Carolina, and 247 Sports’ crystal ball has him going to Duke at 91%.
As for the Tar Heels, Knox had a lot of interesting things to stay:
"(UNC is) really good every year," he said. "It doesn't matter who they get. They get a lot of good talent. Coach Roy utilizes all of his players in a really good role...they don't get the top players like Duke and Kentucky do, but every year they are really good and they do really well with what they have."
UNC made their offer to him back in December, and he last visited campus in February. As for a decision date, Knox says he wants to wait for the end of his high school season, so we’re not likely to hear word until 2017.
