Class of 2022 four-star recruit Amarr Knox commits to HBCU Alabama State
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (BVM) – Amarr Knox has been keeping college programs and their fanbases waiting on pins and needles for his decision. After initially verbally committing to nearby University of Memphis in early 2021, the Bartlett High School senior announced his decommitment from the program in October, putting one of Tennessee’s best players back on the market.
First, let me give all praises to the Most High. I will like to thank Coach Penny Hardaway and his coaching staff for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play for University of Memphis; however, at this time my family and I have decided to reopen my recruitment.
— Amarr Knox (@amarr_knox) October 30, 2021
After months of speculation and waiting, Knox announced his collegiate decision during an appearance on The Doc Holliday Show on May 17. During the show, Knox announced that he would take his talents to Alabama State.
“I will be attending Alabama State University and I will be making Alabama great again,” Knox said. “I chose Alabama State because It felt like home when I got there. I can fit in right away and I can see what Coach [Tony] Madlock is doing trying to turn the program around and I think we can do it.”
In Knox, the Hornets are getting one of the top players in not only Tennessee, but the entire country. Ranked as the No. 155 player nationally and No. 4 player in Tennessee in 247Sports’ Composite Rankings, the 6-foot-2, 160-pound point guard is considered one of the best in the country at what he does. In fact, ESPN ranks Knox as the No. 25 player at the point guard position in the Class of 2022, showing his elite ability running an offense.
In addition to feeling good about how the program and the campus felt, Knox felt a deep connection with Coach Madlock from the getgo.
“[Madlock] showed me that he trusts me, he feels like I can come in and have a lot of impact,” Knox said. “He likes how I play and he likes everything I do on and off the court and he was recruiting me real hard.”
As a junior, Knox averaged 16.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.0 steals for the Panthers as a junior and was able to shoot 44% from the field and 34% on 3-pointers. That season, Knox was named MVP of the District 14-AAA tournament, which would be a jumping-off point for a strong senior campaign.
This past season, Knox went off for Bartlett, averaging 20 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 3.2 assists as the team’s point man. This helped the Panthers to a 34-7 record and an incredible 25-game win streak. While Bartlett was able to get to the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association Class 4A state semifinals, they would fall to eventual state champions Dobyns Bennett in overtime at the buzzer, 70-69. Despite the narrow defeat, Knox was able to show off his tremendous skill in his final high school game, scoring a game-high 33 points with two rebounds and an assist.
Thanks to his strong senior campaign, Knox earned a number of postseason accolades. He was named the District 14 MVP, Class 4A All-Tournament, Tennessee Sports Writers Association Class 4A all-state and was nominated for Mr. Tennessee Basketball.
“I bring an intensity, energy, I can score the ball well, I play good defense,” Knox said. “I’m an overall player I can do everything to be honest.”
Congrats Amarr Knox on being a Mr. Basketball finalist! pic.twitter.com/wY4bRkUUbF
— Bartlett Hoops (@BartlettHoops) March 14, 2022
Given his strong play for Bartlett over the past two seasons, it is no surprise that Knox would receive treatment as a top-flight recruit. This April, Knox even got to participate in the Allen Iverson Classic 24K Showcase, a full length game featuring more top talent from across the country regardless of class.
‘22 Amarr Knox (@amarr_knox) drains the jumper at #IversonClassic pic.twitter.com/dhAuefHPip
— Jamie Shaw (@JamieShaw5) April 29, 2022
Though he could go to nearly any school of his choice, Knox chose not only Alabama State, but an HBCU, which is significant to the point guard as a young,Black man.
“It’s really important,” Knox said of HBCUs. “It brings out all the Black athletic players and people and shows that no matter where you’re at you’ve just got to do what you’ve got to do.”
With his skills on the court, Alabama State is getting a truly special player in Knox. After the long wait, fans will be excited to see what the point guard can bring to their program when he joins them this fall. As one of the top players in the nation, expect plenty of eyes on Knox as he advances through his collegiate career.
“We’re definitely going to do well and we’re definitely going to win some games,” Knox said.
