Kevin Knox, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headline Kentucky’s 2018 NBA Draft Class

By SEAN BOCK

Kentucky in the John Calipari Era is no stranger to the NBA Draft. For the 11th straight year, dating back to his time at Memphis, Calipari has had a player on his team selected in the first round of the draft.

Kevin Knox was selected No. 9 overall by the New York Knicks while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was taken No. 11 by the Charlotte Hornets but was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.

As Knox heard his name called, Knick fans booed in disgust, as they did when Kristaps Porzingis was drafted No. 4 in 2015. In addition to the boos, Knick fans were also chanting ‘Michael Porter Jr,’ something that didn’t seem to bother Knox.

“That’s just motivation,” Knox said of the Porter Jr. chants. “A lot of people want him to get to the Knicks, but I mean, it’s all good with me. I’m ready to get to work. I’m ready to get to work and ready to prove people in Summer League and prove people in the NBA. They booed Porzingis (on draft night) and look where he is now. That’s the same mindset I’m going to have. They can chant Michael Porter all they want. But they got Kevin Knox, and I’m willing to work, and I’m willing to get better.”