Calipari expecting ‘big things’ from freshman Karter Knox

John Calipari has a long standing reputation for his reliance — sometimes to a fault — on freshman, and he is looking for big things out of McDonald’s All-American newcomer Karter Knox.

Knox — whose brother, Kevin, was SEC Freshman of the Year under Calipari at Kentucky and the No. 9 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft — has some rather large family shoes to fill, but has all the tools in place to meet his high expectations.

After ending his heralded high school career that was an embarrassment of riches by way of accolades, buckets and highlights, Knox has trimmed down and chiseled his 6-6, 225-pound frame and impressed with his versatility since arriving on campus in Fayetteville.

“Well, his brother was the ninth pick of the draft,” Calipari said. “Karter is more physical, lost 17 pounds already. He lost some weight. Skilled, learning situational basketball. But he’ll fight, and he’s good.

“Obviously, Kevin had a great run with us. Played with Shai. But I’m looking for big things with Karter because he can play multiple positions. He’s not locked in. If he brings it up, like rebound, bring it up, he’s our point guard. He’s been doing good stuff.”

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During Arkansas’ Tip-Off Tour through Hot Springs and Pine Bluff last weekend, Knox was the first on the floor both nights getting up shots and working intently with assistant coach Brad Calipari on perfecting his shooting form and footwork.

Arkansas has been banged up recently with the likes of Johnell Davis, Jonas Aidoo and Adou Thiero all missing practice times, which means guys like Knox have been able to rack up valuable reps and experience in advance of arguably the most highly-anticipated season of Arkansas basketball since the turn of the century.

“Gotten a lot of reps,” Calipari said. “When you have six or seven practicing, they get a lot of reps, and all of our freshmen have needed those reps, including Karter.

“But Billy Richmond has been pretty good. They’re physical. They’re not — if you’re recruiting freshmen now, they’d better physically be able to play against a 22- or 23-year-old, or it’s hard for them to stand out.”

Knox and the No. 16 Razorbacks will be tested in a big way next Friday when they welcome preseason No. 1 Kansas to Bud Walton Arena for a charity exhibition. Arkansas opens the ’24-25 regular season against Lipscomb Nov. 6 in Fayetteville.