Kevin Knox is one of the most athletic and skilled players on the high school level. He has good length and athleticism which allows for great versatility, combined with a strong half court scoring arsenal. Knox ended up being one of the most impressive players at the Nike Basketball Academy, here’s what he had to say at the event.
NBADraft.net: What’s been your impression of the Academy?
Kevin Knox: Last year I was an alternate so when people drop out I go in but this year I had the invite so I was really looking forward to it throughout the EYBL season and when I got here it was just amazing. The hotel was nice. All the nice gear and everything. I saw a couple of pros, just learning from them so it’s going really good so far.
NBADraft.net: Who’s been your favorite pro here?
Kevin Knox: Of course I saw LeBron (James) so everybody’s favorite is probably LeBron, he didn’t play but Devin Booker, I watched him yesterday, he really impressed me and Aaron Gordon. They both did a good job playing against some of us. I really like how their game is.
NBADraft.net: How would you describe your playing style?
Kevin Knox: This weekend they have me with the wings so a lot of GMs and college coaches want me to play the wing at the next level so that’s what I’m pretty much working at but if they call me down to the bigs I can come down to the bigs. Primarily I’ve been down with the wings this weekend and I’m doing really well.
NBADraft.net: Is there anything you want to add to your game or improve upon as you progress through high school?
Kevin Knox: Yeah, just handling the ball a little bit better. Being able to play one through five, those multiple positions so that’s what I’m basically doing right now and being more consistent around the three point arc. So those two things I’m really focused on.
NBADraft.net: Is there anybody that you pattern your game after?
Kevin Knox: A lot of people say I play like Grant Hill, Kevin Durant, so those two long type of wings. Brandon Ingram, I can play pretty much any position on the floor so that’s who a lot of people compare me to.
NBADraft.net: At what age did you realize basketball was something you wanted to pursue?
Kevin Knox: I played football and basketball up to my sophomore year in high school. Then I realized basketball was what I wanted to do and I was going to try and go to the league so I gave up football and I was really good at football but I just made that decision.
NBADraft.net: Who’s been the most difficult opponent you’ve ever faced?
Kevin Knox: There’s a lot of good kids out here that are really competing with me and throughout the EYBL season but I played a really good competition at USA and here so I don’t really have any favorites or anybody who’s like competing really hard but everybody’s just going at each other. It’s really good.
NBADraft.net: How’s recruiting coming?
Kevin Knox: I just cut my list to ten so I’ll take some visits, cut it down some, see what schools fit my playing style, fit with me and my family and I’ll cut it down sometime soon.
NBADraft.net: What would you say has been the biggest basketball moment you’ve had so far?
Kevin Knox: Just winning the gold medal. A lot of people really wish they could do that. There’s a lot of players in the US that wish that they can tryout with the team so it’s just a blessing for me to get chosen and go out into Spain and win a gold medal.
NBADraft.net: What other goals do you have as you finish high school?
Kevin Knox: Of course I want to graduate high school then of course go to college which a lot of people say that’s already accomplished but anything can happen but my main goal, obviously, to be a Hall of Famer or All Star in the league so those are some of the goals I’m going to keep working on and keep grinding every day.
NBADraft.net: What do you put more value into, winning a gold medal or winning an NBA Championship?
Kevin Knox: A lot of people ask me that but I don’t really know. The gold medal is a once in a lifetime situation so a lot of people wish they could have a gold medal, I’m glad I can say I do but the NBA Championship, that’s pretty big too but I don’t know who I’d give the edge to. I don’t really know.
NBADraft.net: Who’s been the biggest influence on your basketball career?
Kevin Knox: Probably my dad. My dad’s been playing with me since I was about three years old. That’s when I started actually dribbling and everything so he’s been motivating me throughout my career and he’s basically talked to a lot of coaches for me so I can keep focusing on my grades and stuff like that so he’s been a big part of my life and I’m really thankful for him.
NBADraft.net: Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Kevin Knox: Five years…hopefully I’m in the league. Hopefully I’m starting for an NBA team. That’s one of my goals also too, so in five years I just hope I can be able to be in the league, have a nice family and everything, just be accomplished, and a great man.
