A week after landing its first transfer commitment in big man Zvonimir Ivisic, Arkansas picked up its first class of 2024 prospect under head coach John Calipari in four-star forward Karter Knox according to multiple reports on Monday.
A 6-foot-5, 226-pound wing from Georgia, Knox originally chose Kentucky over offers from Louisville, Arkansas, Auburn, Kansas, Texas and others.
"The last two weeks, I've spent time with my family to figure out my next steps," Knox said in a statement following his commitment. "I've decided to commit to the University of Arkansas and play for Coach Calipari.
"Throughout my whole recruiting process, Coach Cal always said he wants to make me a pro, and I trust that he will do that for me at Arkansas. I also have a great relationship with (Kenny Payne), so getting to play for two coaches I admire is a dream come true. I'm looking forward to getting there, getting to work and bringing a championship to Fayetteville."
The younger brother of former Kentucky standout and current NBA player Kevin Knox II, Karter brings a true three-level scoring punch to the Razorbacks' roster with a frame built for the physical SEC. In fact, it's one trait that Calipari specifically pointed out as crucial for potential recruits.
"Physical toughness and physicality matter more now than ever before," Calipari said on April 10. "Now, you can have freshmen, but they better be physically tough."
Knox's father — Kevin Knox — was once a professional athlete in the NFL and and spoke to CatsIllustrated about his son's fit in Calipari's offensive scheme.
"When I saw him before he had a different type of offense from the years past," Knox's father said on on March 9. "But we talked about the Dribble Drive, and bringing it back: Getting downhill, and attacking, getting to the free throw line, and just putting pressure on the rim. Using that type of Dribble Drive, and putting pressure on the rim, and now be able to kick out to open people.
"In the words of Cal, ‘This is tailor made for Karter Knox.’ He is a big guy like him who is going downhill, and who doesn’t mind contact. He can get to the free throw line, and now being able to shoot it like he can you can only imagine putting a person like Antonio Reeves in a big body. They didn’t even have anybody on the roster this year that weighs as much as Karter that is a guard."
Following Knox's addition, Arkansas now sits with two scholarship players on its roster. Be sure to follow along at The Trough premium message board for updates on roster fluctuations throughout the offseason.
