"Shocker" "Smart decision young man": Fans divided over former Kentucky recruit Karter Knox committing to John Calipari's Arkansas 

Former Kentucky signee Karter Knox recently announced his decision to follow John Calipari and committed to the Arkansas Razorbacks on Monday. He is the second player to join coach Calipari after Wildcats transfer signee Zvonimir Ivisic.

The forward is an elite shooter and averaged 22.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 30 minutes this season for the Overtime Elite's RWE. Knox, bother of New York Knicks' Kevin Knox II, explained his reason for choosing Arkansas to ESPN:

"Throughout my whole recruiting process, Coach Cal always said he wants to make me a pro, and I trust that he will do that for me at Arkansas. I also have a great relationship with Coach Kenny Payne, so getting to play for two coaches I admire is a dream come true.

"I'm looking forward to getting there, getting to work and bringing a winning mentality to Fayetteville."

Former Louisville coach Kenny Payne is the first of John Calipari's coaching staff at Arkansas and will now work as the associate head coach.

Fans on X/Twitter had mixed reactions to this news. Some were happy for him while others felt Arkansas was not the suitable destination for someone of his calibre:

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"Not a smart decision young man," wrote a fan.

"Lol I hope he’s better than his one year brother," joked another.

"Shocker. Wish em the best still. Always have love for his brother and that family," one fan commented.

"Not a smart decision young man you don’t want Kenny Payne," a fan pointed out.

"The kid will be there one yr. NBA is calling," was this fan's prediction.

"Clearly enjoys not winning if you play for Cal," one fan said.

"Arkansas vs Kentucky will be fun," another commented.

More high school seniors could join John Calipari at Arkansas

While still at Kentucky, coach John Calipari has recruited the best of the 2024 class, many of whom de-committed after the coach announced his departure from Lexington.

Karter Knox is the first of what is expected to be more signings from high school graduates, which includes Jayden Quaintance, Boogie Fland, Somto Cyril and Billy Richmond. Cyril visited the Georgia Bulldogs on Monday, but the others are still undecided.

Coach Calipari has a clean slate at Arkansas as most of the players have either exhausted their college eligibility, declared for the draft or entered the transfer portal. A similar case also unfolded at Kentucky where coach Mark Pope is also slowly rebuilding the roster.

What do you think of Karter Knox joining John Calipari in Arkansas? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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