4A Player of the Year: Kevin Knox
Tampa-Tampa Catholic’s five-star small forward Kevin Knox was arguably the top player in the state this season and has been named our Class 4A player of the year.
The 6’8 lethal weapon and sixth best player in the 2017 class (ESPN) was a terror on the hardwood this season. He averaged 30 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks, two steals and two assists a game in helping the Crusaders reach the state semifinals for the first time since 2011. Knox had the third highest scoring average, second most FG’s(332), third most FT’s(188) and sixth most double-doubles in the state.
Knox proved his potent scoring ability by setting a school record with 53 points in a game. He also stepped up in the big games. After having a season-low 11 points and his team trailing by four points with just 1:15 remaining in the region final against Oxbridge, Knox scored the Crusaders final seven points including the game-winning put back layup over three defenders with four seconds left to lift his team to the state semifinals.
Knox was a member of USA’s under-16 national team this past summer. He’s extremely explosive for his frame and possesses the handles of a guard. But his knockdown shooting ability from long range sets him apart. The 16-year-old high D1 talent wears a size 18 shoe. Doctors project Knox may grow to 6’10 which would make him similar to Kevin Durant. The scary thing is he’s still raw and visibly not grown into his frame or skill set.
He holds 24 D1 offers from the like’s of Duke, UNC and Kansas. Knox has taken two unofficial visits to both Duke and UNC in the past two months. The sky is the limit for this kid.