The rise of Tampa Catholic High School Small Forward Kevin Knox started in the summer of 2015.  He had an unbelievable growth spurt that took him from 6’4”, four-star football recruit to 6’7”, five-star basketball phenom.  But, Knox's growth didn't end there. 

Knox began to focus on getting his mindset right before every game.  Knox said “Everybody’s coming out.  All these little kids want to see me play.  So, it’s really great.  I mean...walking out that tunnel and the locker room.  You just gotta have your mind ready to play”.  Top programs like Duke University and the University of North Carolina are coming out to see Knox play as well. 

Tampa Catholic High School boys’ basketball head coach / Athletic Director Don Dziagwa said he’s pleased with Knox’s evolution from his freshman year to his senior year.  Dziagwa said “the best teams have the best players that are leaders.  It’s not always the coach that has to be the leader.  If you have a player in the locker room that can really lead the team in the right direction.  So, we’re really kind of hoping that he (Knox) makes that step”. 

Only 12 athletes were chosen this week to represent the U.S. at the FIBA U-17 world championship.  And our Athlete of the Week was one of them.  Knox was key to the U-16 win in 2015 and hopes to now lead U-17 to winning gold again. The U.S. opens FIBA U-17 World Championship play on June 23, 2016 in Zaragosa, Spain. 

To see Knox in action, click on the link.