As the college basketball season wraps up, players across the nation are making major announcements about their next steps. Some are declaring for the NBA Draft, while many are entering the transfer portal to explore new opportunities. Among the young talents making waves is Arkansas freshman Karter Knox, who recently announced his intention to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft while still keeping his college eligibility intact.
Knox made his intentions known through a heartfelt post on social media, where he thanked those who have supported him throughout his journey so far. Addressing Razorback fans, his teammates, and especially his family, Knox shared an emotional message reflecting on his growth during the season and expressing optimism for his future.
“Dear Hog Nation,” Knox began in his post. “Thank you for all the love and support this season. This year has been a great learning experience, not only for me but also for my teammates. I’ve grown so much because of it, and I’m thankful. To my family—your constant support means the world to me. I truly couldn’t have gotten this far without your love, your sacrifices, and your encouragement. That’s why I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be going through the 2025 NBA Draft process while maintaining my eligibility to return to college. With love, Karter Knox.”
Knox joined Arkansas as a highly ranked five-star recruit from the Class of 2024. According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, he was considered the No. 8 small forward and ranked 22nd overall among all high school players in the nation. With an impressive prep resume, he had attracted interest from a host of prominent programs including Kentucky, Florida State, and Auburn before ultimately choosing to commit to Arkansas.
His commitment to the Razorbacks marked a major recruiting win for John Calipari, who had only just taken over as Arkansas’ head coach following his long and successful tenure at Kentucky. Knox’s arrival in Fayetteville was expected to be a key building block in Calipari’s vision for revitalizing the Razorback program. As a freshman, Knox showed promise, contributing solid numbers and gaining valuable experience at the collegiate level.
Over the course of the 2024–25 season, Knox averaged 8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game. While these numbers may not jump off the page, they highlight a player with all-around abilities and significant potential for growth. Given his pedigree and versatility, Knox is viewed by scouts as a prospect who could develop into a strong contributor at the next level, especially with continued refinement of his skills.
Knox’s decision to enter the draft while maintaining college eligibility is a strategic move, increasingly common among young players today. The NBA allows college underclassmen to “test the waters” by declaring for the draft, attending the NBA Draft Combine, participating in team workouts, and gathering feedback—all without losing eligibility, provided they withdraw by a certain deadline and do not sign with an agent. This option gives players like Knox a chance to understand where they stand in the eyes of NBA executives and receive guidance on what they need to improve.
The timing of his announcement comes just days after the end of the NCAA Tournament and the official opening of the transfer portal window. With the offseason already buzzing with activity, including coaching changes, transfer news, and early draft declarations, Knox’s announcement adds another layer of intrigue to the college basketball landscape. For Arkansas fans, it also raises the question of whether he’ll return for a sophomore season or begin his professional career.
John Calipari, known for his success in developing NBA-ready talent, has long been a favorite destination for elite high school players looking to make the leap to the pros. His arrival at Arkansas brought that same NBA-focused approach to Fayetteville. In coaching Knox, Calipari continued his tradition of helping young athletes transition from promising recruits to future professionals. Whether Knox decides to stay in the draft or come back to school, his time under Calipari’s tutelage will likely serve him well.
The support Knox expressed for Calipari and his teammates in his parting message is a testament to the bonds he formed in just one season. Although his role may not have been as dominant as some of his peers, his willingness to publicly acknowledge his teammates and coaching staff reflects a maturity beyond his years. That same poise will serve him well as he navigates the uncertain waters of the NBA Draft process.
As draft projections begin to take shape, all eyes will be on how Knox performs in pre-draft workouts and interviews. Teams will be evaluating not only his on-court skills but also his work ethic, adaptability, and potential for growth. At 6-foot-6 with a strong frame and solid shooting mechanics, Knox offers a blend of athleticism and skill that fits well with the modern NBA wing archetype. Scouts will be looking for improvements in his consistency, decision-making, and defensive effort—areas where many freshmen need to mature as they transition to the professional level.
Meanwhile, if Knox opts to return to college, he could be in a position to have a breakout sophomore season, especially if Calipari continues to add talent to the roster and build around him. With the experience of one year under his belt, along with the feedback from NBA evaluators, Knox could take on a leadership role and become a key player for the Razorbacks in 2025–26.
Regardless of the path he chooses, Karter Knox’s journey is just getting started. His freshman campaign at Arkansas laid a solid foundation, and now, with eyes set on the NBA, he’s taking the next step toward realizing his dream. Whether he stays in the draft or returns to college, he’ll be closely watched by fans, coaches, and scouts alike—each eager to see how far his talent and determination can take him.
