Old North Banter
Fansided

Duke Blue Devils: Kevin Knox’s Two Days of Decision

By John Woodcock

Mar 26, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All-American forward Kevin Knox II (23) poses for a photo during the 2017 McDonalds All American Game Portrait Day at Chicago Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All-American forward Kevin Knox II (23) poses for a photo during the 2017 McDonalds All American Game Portrait Day at Chicago Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels celebrate after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs 71-65 in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels celebrate after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs 71-65 in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

North Carolina Tar Heels

Wednesday, 4:15 PM

That the Tar Heels are part of the Wednesday teams leads me to believe that they are in the top three. The fact that Mr. Knox, Sr. originally left them out of his released text message schedule makes me believe they are not in the top two.

Of all the teams that are pushing Knox, the Tar Heels are unique. They are the defending national champions. There are pieces from that team that are likely to return. Despite the hubbub about Joel Berry, Tony Bradley, and Theo Pinson, the chances are good that they all come back next season. The uncertainty aspect won’t help since there is no way Coach Roy Williams could ever sell a one man team aspect the way FSU will have to.

Live Feed

NFL rumors: 7 QBs Raiders already need to be targeting for their future
NFL rumors: 7 QBs Raiders already need to be targeting for their future /

FanSided

  • UNC Women's Basketball: Ivory Latta headline SCAHOF class of 2024 Keeping It Heel
  • UNC Basketball: CBS Sports Classic Preview vs Kentucky Keeping It Heel
  • UNC Football: D.J. Jones enters transfer portal Keeping It Heel
  • UNC Football: Corey Gaynor declares for NFL Draft Keeping It Heel
  • 5 teams that should sell the farm to trade up, draft Drake Maye FanSided

    • The name that Williams will bring up most is likely Justin Jackson. The Heels represent the best chance for Knox to play his true pro position, small forward, on something resembling a pro style of play. While Williams is bringing back more experienced players, he also therefore has a big role for Knox to potentially play.

    Williams can point toward last year’s championship as proof that player development is alive and well at Chapel Hill. He could talk about coaching Paul Pierce or Harrison Barnes, who both play the position that Knox will play.

    The things that will slow Williams down are the ones he cannot promise. He doesn’t know for certain if Berry and Bradley are coming back. He can’t promise to change a team that is still built around its point guards and big men. There’s room for a good wing, Jackson among others proved that, but it is not the focus.

    He also can’t promise the NCAA process won’t affect Knox’s time at Chapel Hill. Every amended letter and amended response kicks it down the road into limbo. The NCAA investigation already cost the Heels the 2016 title when it deterred the easiest slam dunk recruit in history, Brandon Ingram, over to Duke. Its lack of resolution has to play on the minds of the Knox family too, and there is no point taking huge risks when a big talent like Knox can play anywhere.

    For these reasons I can’t put Knox in a Heels uniform even though it would be really really cool.

    Home/Duke Blue Devils