At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned senior prospects. Last season, hundreds of players from the Carolinas went on to play at the Division I, II, III or NAIA levels, and that number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class. Typically, we take a closer look at guys who are overlooked and underrated, and today's edition will highlight Olyn Knox of Keenan High School.
We've covered Knox throughout his progression, including at our SC Top 80, where we stated, 'Moving onto a player that arguably stood out as the most consistent and dependable prospect on this team, Olyn Knox. He's a long, wiry, high-motor forward/post prospect with a low-maintenance identity and the ability to embrace his identity on both ends of the floor. Knox is a nice finisher with IQ, athleticism, and unselfishness. He's a quality rim-protector and overall defender with the ability to hedge screens and effectively move his feet in space. Next in his development process is working to become a better penetrator, as it would make him an even tougher matchup for opponents at his position. Coach Mills on Knox: 'Olyn is the player that any coach would love to have. He's a strong big man that plays with a high motor. He is involved with every possession, no matter what it is. He rebounds very well and runs rim-to-rim, getting easy layups. He understands spacing and angles, regularly beating defenders to the rim for rebounds. He can score around the basket with his soft touch. On the defensive end, he is talking, moving his feet, contesting every shot, and getting on the floor for loose balls. Olyn will play at the next level.' Knox proved to be an obvious asset at camp and should play an integral role during the upcoming season.'
Thereafter, Knox has done a great job of maintaining his status and production as a long, steady, unselfish forward/post prospect. He's always thrived as a low-maintenance player who does the little things and doesn't try to force the action on either end of the floor. His current role with Keenan certainly reflects this notion, as Knox plays hard, secures rebounds, alters shots defensively, and capitalizes on his offensive chances. He also runs the floor well in transition. His nightly averages of 8.9 PPG and 5.7 RPG might not pop-off the page, but it doesn't take away from the obvious value he brings to the Raiders. Knox has various schools involved, so it'll be exciting to see where he furthers his playing career at the next level.
