Kentucky Basketball: One-on-One interview with Kevin Knox

John Calipari added his eighth senior in five-star Kevin Knox last week. Here’s what he had to say about his commitment.

2017 5-star small forward Kevin Knox pledged to Kentucky earlier in May over the likes of Duke, North Carolina, and others. Knox is rated as the nation’s No. 10 senior, according to 247Sports.

“I trusted what they have in store,” Knox told Busting Brackets. “I love how they run in transition.” He added that his relationship with John Calipari and the coaching staff is very strong.

With a loaded frontcourt joining the Wildcats next fall, Knox, listed as a 6’9″ small forward, may need to play shooting guard to earn additional minutes. “Coach Cal wants me to play at the two and the three,” Knox stated.

Owning recognition as the nation’s No. 1 2017 recruiting class, expectations at Kentucky are extremely high. Knox noted that an SEC championship and even a National Championship are not out of reach for the Wildcats. However, Knox hopes that the group simply “plays really well.”

As many scouts believe, Knox mentioned that his versatility and ability to defend are among two of his strengths in his game. The Florida native added that he can “push the ball” well and easily transition from defense to offense.

As for weaknesses, Knox stated that he hopes to further “work on [my] jump shot… and handling the ball.” He also told me he wants to work on his “overall strength. Lower-body and upper-body.”

Currently projected as the No. 11 overall selection of the 2018 NBA Draft, Knox said that being a one-and-done is “one of my goals.” He continued, “I have to work for it… it’s not going to be easy.”

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Knox is undoubtedly an extremely promising prospect who will be very exciting to watch next fall. With a recruiting class consisting of six five-star recruits, including early enrollee Hamidou Diallo, Kentucky will certainly be one of the country’s top teams during the 2017-18 season.