John Knight III explains his decision to play basketball at USU

LOGAN – Cache Valley isn’t much like Jackson, Mississippi, but it didn’t take long for John Knight III to feel at home in Logan. The Southwest Mississippi Community College point guard arrived in town Thursday for a recruiting trip. What first caught his eye were the mountains.

“When I headed to the school my ears started popping,” he said. “So I was like, ‘Yeah, this is going to be a little different, but I think I’m going to adjust to it very fine.’”

Knight’s positive experiences on campus and with the coaching staff outweighed the unfamiliar effects of altitude, enough so that before returning home he made it official. The 6-foot-2 guard committed to USU, joining with three years of eligibility left.

“When I got there it felt the same just as if I was at home,” he said, “so I knew it was going to be a perfect spot. Then, when I met the coaches and heard their background, I knew this was where I wanted to be.”

He was impressed with how the coaching staff runs the program and how the team trains. The style of basketball that will be played, he said, is his style of game.

Head coach Craig Smith agreed that it is Knight’s style. He said in a release that Knight is “play-making guard” that will thrive in USU’s system.

“He brings size and athleticism to our backcourt,” he said. “John is a guy that can get downhill on opponents and put pressure on the rim. He does a great job of creating contact and getting to the free throw line. His defensive instincts will also have a big impact on that end of the floor for us.”

As a freshman, Knight averaged 14.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game.

Knight noticed Smith’s passion and energy for coaching and wants to bring a similar attitude as a player.

“I want to bring a ton of energy, a ton of excitement for the fans,” Knight said. “I love to go up and block shots. Any chance I get I’m going to try to break the rim, every time.”

Knight will return to Logan June 10 to start summer classes and will be majoring in accounting with a minor in business management. He is looking forward to getting to know the people in Logan.

“I’m very friendly,” he said. “Like, I don’t get the big head. I’m very down to earth. If they see me and want to hold a conversation, I’ll hold a conversation with anybody.”

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