Karter Knox shines in Team USA's win over Egypt

Team USA is moving on to the quarterfinals of the FIBA U17 World Cup thanks in large part to one of Kentucky’s top 2024 recruits. Karter Knox, the little brother of former Cat Kevin Knox, was the star of Team USA’s 103-48 win over Egypt today. The four-star small forward came off the bench to put up a team-high 18 points, along with 9 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists in 19 minutes. He shot 7-11 from the floor (63.6%), 1-2 from three (50%), and 3-4 from the free-throw line (75%), and had a team-high 26 in efficiency.

Kentucky targets make up over half of Team USA’s roster, but so far, only four hold scholarship offers from John Calipari, who is front and center in Malaga, Spain for the action this week. In addition to Knox, Ian Jackson and DJ Wagner both finished in double figures today, with 14 and 12 points, respectively. Jackson, a five-star guard in the 2024 class, also had 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. He continues to lead Team USA in scoring with 18.0 points per game on 58.5% shooting. After a scoring flurry in group play, 2023 five-star power forward Ron Holland was a bit quiet today, finishing with only four points, five rebounds, four assists, and a steal in nine minutes. Turns out it’s his birthday, so maybe he was fantasizing about cake.

Treated ourselves with a W 🤗

🗣️ 🇺🇸 #USABMU17 Coach @coachswhite pic.twitter.com/BY40p7ZEJQ

— USABJNT (@usabjnt) July 6, 2022

Team USA is now 4-0 in the FIBA World Cup. From here, they advance to the quarterfinals to face Serbia (time TBD). After losing to France in its first game, Serbia is riding a three-game winning streak. Today, they beat the Dominican Republic 107-77.

How Kentucky targets are faring in Spain

Here are updated averages for Kentucky’s targets through four games. *Rankings are courtesy of the On3 Consensus.*

Class of 2023

Dajuan Wagner Jr. | 6-3, 165 pounds; 5-star CG, No. 2 overall [Offered]

10.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.8 steals | 17-38 FG (44.7%), 2-11 3PT (18.2%), 4-4 FT

Ron Holland | 6-8, 195 pounds; 5-star PF, No. 5 overall [Offered]

12.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists | 19-32 FG (59.4%), 3-9 3PT (33.3%), 7-10 FT

Dennis Evans III | 7-1, 210 pounds; 4-star C, No. 29 overall

1.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 1.0 turnovers | 0-5 FG, 4-8 FT

Class of 2024

Ian Jackson | 6-5, 180 pounds; 5-star PG, No. 1 overall [Offered]

18.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals | 31-52 FG (58.5%), 8-17 3PT (47.1%)

Johnuel “Boogie” Fland | 6-3, 165 pounds; 4-star PG, No. 8 overall

4.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 3.5 steals | 6-19 FG (31.6%), 3-12 3PT (25%)

Karter Knox | 6-5, 180 pounds; 4-star SF, No. 11 overall [Offered]

11.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals | 19-32 (59.4%), 2-8 3PT (25%), 6-9 FT

Asa Newell | 6-8, 200 pounds; 4-star PF, No. 29 overall

5.5 points, 3.0 rebounds | 7-18 FG (38.9%), 0-3 3PT, 8-8 FT