Jeremiah Fears, Boogie Fland, and more react as Karter Knox heads back to Arkansas
Arkansas guard Karter Knox has withdrawn from the 2025 NBA Draft and will return for his sophomore season, giving coach John Calipari a major piece back for Year 2 in Fayetteville.
NBA analyst Jonathan Givony broke the news in a post on X:
“Karter Knox will withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to Arkansas, agent Kevin Bradbury of LIFT told ESPN. The 6'6, 214 pound wing with a 6'10 wingspan will enter his sophomore season a projected 2026 first round pick.”
Knox announced his return Monday on Instagram with the caption:
“I’m Back.”
Teammates' reactions followed quickly:
Arkansas Razorbacks Basketball commented emojis:
“🐗🐗🐗”
Oklahoma Sooners Guard Jeremiah Fears reacted:
“Yk wha to do.”
Guard Boogie Fland wrote:
“My brudda.”
Razorbacks forward Jonas Aidoo reacted,
“🙂”
Adrio Bailey wrote:
“I like this guy.”
Knox participated in the NBA Draft Combine earlier this month, where he tested well in vertical leap and agility drills and hit over 60% of his shots in skill sessions. In two scrimmage games, he averaged 9.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals.
Despite solid showings, he remained a projected second-round pick, ranked No. 56 on ESPN’s Best Available list.
Karter Knox followed John Calipari from Kentucky to Arkansas
Karter Knox played 36 games as a freshman, starting 24. He averaged 8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.0 assist while shooting 46.2% from the field, 35.0% from three and 80.2% at the line. He improved significantly down the stretch, averaging 10.4 points on 52.3% shooting over the final 18 games. He scored 20 points in the Sweet 16 loss to Texas Tech.
A former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, Knox followed Calipari from Kentucky to Arkansas. He returns alongside DJ Wagner and Trevon Brazile, with Billy Richmond III also staying. Incoming transfers include Malique Ewin and Nick Pringle.
The freshman class is headlined by five-stars Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas. Departing players include Adou Thiero, Boogie Fland, Johnell Davis, Jonas Aidoo, and Zvonimir Ivišić.
Also Read: "When is [Jamir] Watkins coming?": Fans react as John Calipari shares Karter Knox update courtside at OKC–Timberwolves game