Friday, May 21, 2010

Tudor's Take: Alabama transfer would boost UNC

The likely addition of Alabama’s Justin Knox to North Carolina’s basketball team would help the Tar Heels’ depth but probably would add no more than a marginal offensive boost.

The 6-foot-9 Knox, currently a junior and the SEC scholar athlete of the year in 2008-09, is scheduled to graduate in June and would be immediately eligible to play for the Heels as a graduate student.

Knox has expressed casual interest in Southern Miss and Georgia State. Memphis has attempted to enter the picture but seems more interested in 6-8 Minnesota junior Trevor Mbakwe, who also has mentioned N.C. State as a possibility.

Knox, a native of Tuscaloosa, Ala., has been given permission by the school to transfer but only to a school outside the SEC and/or Alabama system.

At Carolina, he would absorb some of the playing time left by transferring forwards David and Travis Wear (possibly to UCLA).

Knox averaged just over six points and three rebounds on Anthony Grant’s first team at Alabama. The Tide finished 17-15 overall and 6-10 in the SEC.

But much like UNC (20-17, 5-11 ACC), the Tide had shooting and scoring problems most of the season.

Knox shot 44 percent, but did have one of his best showings against a very good Purdue defense. The Boilermakers won the game, 66-55, but Knox came off the bench to score 14 points.

In two games against SEC foe Kentucky, he totaled eight points but did have 14 rebounds, 11 in a 73-67 loss during the SEC Tournament.

Combined, the Wear brothers averaged 6.4 points and 2.9 rebounds. Neither shot better than 43.7 percent on field-goal attempt.

-- Caulton Tudor

5 comments:

DawnW said...

At this point for 2010/11, anyone over 6'8" that can make a free throw will boost our roster. Will he be all ACC or score 15 pts a game? No. But will be provide a strong post (not just height). Remember, both henson and Zeller are more comfortable facing the basket and running the floor. We need a banger.

Certainly stone hand Thompson hasn't a banger either.

Anonymous said...

If nothing else, he's good for 5 fouls a game against opponents big men.

Anonymous said...

Knox is a great kid, but I am not expecting much from him if he goes to UNC. He has similar size and athleticism to Deon with half the skill.

DUKE said...

Rest of the ACC and NCAA teams =

Wonder if Jordan will "make the call" to woo this kid too?

Anonymous said...

He is Going to GT He has a small child and a GirlFriend He has also been offered by them and they have nothing up front and will be closer to home.....