Kentucky forward Kevin Knox is going pro, having made the decision to enter the 2018 NBA draft and hire an agent, the school announced today (via Twitter). Knox confirmed the move in a video published to his Twitter account.
Knox, a 6’9″ freshman, enjoyed a productive 2017/18 season with the Wildcats, averaging 15.6 PPG and 5.4 RPG. His efficiency was somewhat lacking (.445 FG%), but that can be attributed – at least in part – to playing out of position, Jonathan Givony of ESPN wrote last month.
Givony, who ranks Knox 14th overall on his big board for 2018, also observed that there’s a “significant market” in the NBA for combo forwards with Knox’s skill set, which includes the ability to defend multiple positions and knock down an open shot. The Kentucky forward also won’t turn 19 until August, making him one of the youngest players in this year’s draft class. In other words, he’ll have plenty of time to improve.
Knox is the second Kentucky underclassmen to declare his intent to enter the 2018 draft this spring. He joins teammate PJ Washington, who is testing the waters for now.