5-Star SF Recruit Kevin Knox Turned Down $1.4 Million Deal to Play in China

Gregory Payan/Associated Press

Kevin Knox, one of the top basketball recruits in the class of 2017, reportedly turned down a $1.4 million offer from a professional team in China.     

On Saturday, Bob Putnam of the Tampa Bay Times reported the team called Knox's parents and made the offer, which would have allowed him to play for a year before becoming eligible for the NBA draft.

Instead, the 5-star prospect will attend college, and his list of schools is down to North Carolina, Kentucky, Duke, Florida State and Missouri.

"I didn't put much stock into the offer," Knox's father, Kevin, said, per Putnam. "We politely said thanks but no thanks. He's going to college."

Knox is the No. 7 overall player in his class and No. 2 at his position. He is 6'8", and Scout lists his length, his versatility, his ability to play multiple positions and his athleticism among his strengths.

According to Putnam, the 17-year-old is expected to make his college decision between April 26 and May 10.

While Knox turned down the $1.4 million offer, his family took out a $1 million insurance policy to provide protection in case of injury before he attempts to cash in on his talent at the NBA level.

Recruiting information courtesy of Scout unless otherwise noted.

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