Karter Knox is averaging 21.2 points per game on just over 53.5% shooting from the field and 4.5 rebounds per game through Session 3 of the Nike EYBL Circuit. He leads all scorers in points per game, and he’s showcasing his elite all-around ability.
Following Session 1 of the Nike EYBL Circuit, Knox gave a self-evaluation of his performance and continued improvement, saying, “I’ve been working hard in the gym. I’m becoming more of a three-level scorer.”
He added, “I am a defensive player, but getting in the gym multiple times a day has really improved my game. I watch a lot of Anthony Edwards and how aggressive he is. He goes hard at everything.”
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With the work that Knox is putting in, he can be just like Anthony Edwards and even his brother, former Kentucky Wildcat Kevin Knox. He can be an excellent three-level scoring wing with some serious defensive prowess as well.
Recruitment Process
Knox also took the time to share what his experience has been like thus far when it comes to his recruitment. Knox talked specifically about Kentucky and Louisville, the two frontrunners to land him.
He stated, “I’ve only taken official visits to Kentucky and Louisville so far. I plan to take more visits. Just waiting to get those set, but it will be soon.”
Here is what Karter Knox said about his recruitment with Kentucky:
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“It means a lot to have coach [John] Calipari showing up to watch me play. You know, my brother (Kevin Knox) went to Kentucky, so I’ve been really close with them since the age of like 11 or 12. So, he is pretty much like an uncle to me. He’s a good coach, and he has a good coaching staff. They run up and down a lot, and he gives his guys freedom, so that’s how I play.”
And here is what Knox had to say about his recruitment with Louisville:
“He (Kenny Payne) was with Kentucky too, he recruited my brother, so he is like an uncle to me too. We are really close, and we’re close with the family. Their record doesn’t really mean anything. Their coaching staff is pretty good, and I know them.”
Other Potential Schools
Knox hasn’t singled his list down to just Kentucky and Louisville (not yet, at least), saying, “I’m not sure when I’ll narrow my list or commit by. I don’t really have a time frame in mind right now. My recruitment is still 100 percent open.” The other two schools that Knox discussed were Florida State and Arkansas.
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Here is what Knox had to say about Florida State:
“Their defense stands out. You know, Florida State loves defense, and I want to go to a place that wants to play defense. Coach [Leonard] Hamilton is a good coach. My parents went to Florida State, and my dad (Kevin Knox Sr.) played wide receiver there. I’m still a Florida State football fan. I’ve been that since I was three years old. But that won’t play a factor in my basketball decision. If they don’t have what’s best for me, I won’t go there. If they’re the perfect fit, then maybe.”
Here is what Knox said about Arkansas:
“I love their coaching staff. Eric Musselman is a really good coach, and they’re all really supportive. They reach out every day to check up on me. They’re a really good program too. They will have a few draft picks this year, so the development is crazy there, and that has caught my attention.”
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The Deciding Factor
What will be the deciding factor in Karter Knox’s recruitment? Here’s what he had to say:
“I’m going to look at the coaching, I want to play for a great coach and staff. The player development will be big for me. And the fans. I want to play in a great atmosphere. How they play will matter to me. I don’t want to go to a school and learn a whole new way to play. I want to go somewhere that matches my play style: playing fast and in transition with a lot of motion on offense.”
As of right now, Kentucky and Louisville are the odds-on favorites to land Karter Knox, one of the top forwards in the 2024 class. Of course, Florida State and Arkansas could be potential suitors as well. He has also received offers from Arizona State, Auburn, Boise State, and Illinois.
His stock will only continue to rise if he can continue to produce stellar performances like those he is having in the Nike EYBL Circuit.
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Watch some of Karter Knox’s eye-opening highlights below:
Earlier today, Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats received the commitment from Andrija Jelavic, a 6-foot-11 big from Croatia.
As first reported by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, Jelavic is one of the most highly regarded European prospects that is taking his talent to the NCAA.
Soon to be 21 years old, Jelavic averaged 10.8 points per game on 60% shooting from the field to go along with 7.4 rebounds per game for Mega Superbet, the same club that NBA Champion and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic played for.
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As a shock to most, who were expecting Pope’s next commit to be a guard of some sorts, international players can now sign lucrative NIL deals. Kentucky, along with several of the elite colleges, are now in the European market.
Jelavic, with shades of current European big men, can do just about everything on the court. He can shoot, dribble, pass, finish at the rim, etc. With a very relevant comparison, Jelavic plays almost perfectly in the replacement role of Andrew Carr.
His commitment now makes him the fifth member of Pope’s additions this offseason, joining Kam Williams, Jaland Lowe, Mouhamed Dioubate and Jayden Quaintance.
With a 7’2” wingspan, joining an already impressive Kentucky frontcourt, it’s safe to say for certain that this new team will not lack in that department.
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Next year’s roster was loaded with talent already, but now with the addition of Jelavic, lots of questions are arising: Who will start? How many more players is Pope going to add? What will happen with the walk-ons?
There’s plenty to think about for Pope and his staff before the season starts, but like he said back when he introduced himself to Big Blue Nation, “We’re here to win banners.” He’s going to make the moves he thinks will do just that for the Wildcats.
In a shocking, late at night turn of events, four-star freshman Acaden Lewis has decommitted from Kentucky.
Lewis, a 6’3” point guard out of Washington, D.C. first committed to the blue and white in November of last year, following an in-person visit with Mark Pope in his hometown.
Since then, he’s made multiple appearances in Rupp Arena, been featured in photo shoots with his fellow incoming recruits, and spoken on multiple occasions about his excitement to join the team for the 2025-26’ season.
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To say this development is surprising would be a serious understatement.
Lewis released a statement following the announcement, “This was an incredibly difficult decision, but I have to do what’s best for my future,” he said. “Thank you to Coach Pope and the whole Kentucky staff for all they’ve done for me so far.”
While the loss of Lewis is certainly disappointing, there is still much to look forward to next season for Kentucky, who maintain one of the highest rated transfer classes in the nation – and it likely isn’t finished.
To that point, if any reason can be derived immediately for Lewis’ decommitment, it may be found in the same place that Mark Pope and staff will be going to look for answers: the transfer portal.
If the Quaintance name sounds familiar, it should. He was originally committed to play for the Cats out of high school last season as a five-star recruit. While he was interested in staying at Kentucky following John Calipari’s departure, even meeting with Mark Pope, he elected to play for Arizona State.
In his one season with the Sun Devils, Quaintance averaged 9.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG, and 2.6 BPG, and earned Big 12 All-Freshman and All-Defensive honors.
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The one concern for Quaintance is that he had surgery to repair a torn ACL, which could keep him out for the entire offseason and potentially into the season. That said, the expectation for a return is September, and at just 17 years old, there is so much untapped potential.