Arkansas forward Karter Knox announced Monday that he will withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft and return for his sophomore season. His decision is a significant boost for the Razorbacks as they enter Year 2 under head coach John Calipari. Knox, who earned a starting role as a freshman, is expected to be one of the team’s key contributors next season.
With Knox’s return secured, attention now shifts to Adou Thiero, who has yet to decide whether he’ll remain in the draft ahead of the May 28 withdrawal deadline. If Thiero returns, it would strengthen Arkansas’ roster but also mark the first time since Calipari’s late years at Memphis that he failed to produce a first-round pick—ending a streak that began with Derrick Rose in 2008.
Knox entered the starting lineup in mid-December, but his breakout came when guard Boogie Fland missed 15 games due to a thumb injury. With increased playing time, Knox elevated his performance and played a key role in Arkansas’ midseason resurgence.
Karter Knox, ranked No. 25 in the 2024 class by 247Sports, averaged 8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1 assist per game during his freshman season at Arkansas. His impact grew significantly late in the year, scoring in double figures in nine of the Razorbacks’ final 12 contests and capping the season with a 20-point performance in their Sweet 16 overtime loss to Texas Tech.
After impressing scouts at the NBA Draft Combine, Knox’s return gives head coach John Calipari a key building block for his second season in Fayetteville. He’ll anchor a returning core that includes DJ Wagner, Trevon Brazile, and Billy Richmond III, providing continuity amid a reshaped roster.
Calipari also reloaded with the nation’s No. 6-ranked recruiting class, according to 247Sports, headlined by five-star guards Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas, along with four-star combo guard Isaiah Sealy. In addition, Arkansas added frontcourt reinforcements through the transfer portal with Nick Pringle and Malique Ewin, both expected to make an immediate impact.
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