A former top Kentucky recruit announced his plans to follow former head coach John Calipari to Arkansas.

Five-star prospect Karter Knox, who decommitted from Kentucky after Calipari's decision to take the job at Arkansas earlier this month, announced his decision to commit to the Razorbacks following an official visit to the Fayetteville campus this past weekend via ESPN. Knox, who ranks as the No. 7 small forward, No. 2 player from the state of Georgia and No. 22 overall prospect for the 2024 national recruiting cycle, according to the 247Sports Composite, cited his relationships with Calipari and longtime assistant coach Kenny Payne, who followed the head coach to Arkansas, as crucial factors in his decision.

"Throughout my whole recruiting process, Coach Cal always said he wants to make me a pro, and I trust that he will do that for me at Arkansas," Knox said via ESPN. "I also have a great relationship with Coach Kenny Payne, so getting to play for two coaches I admire is a dream come true. I'm looking forward to getting there, getting to work and bringing a winning mentality to Fayetteville."

Calipari, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer and former national champion, was hired by the Razorbacks earlier this month amid reported uncertainty regarding his future at Kentucky. The agreement was made possible by Calipari's long-standing ties to longtime Arkansas benefactor John H. Tyson.

Calipari went 410-122 (198-65 SEC) during 15 seasons at Kentucky, which included winning the 2012 NCAA national championship, as well as six SEC regular season and six SEC tournament titles. The 65-year-old has an 813-260 overall record as a collegiate head coach, which includes stints with the Massachusetts Minutemen (1988-96) and Memphis Tigers (2000-2009).

Calipari will replace former Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman, who accepted the head coaching position with the USC Trojans on Thursday (April 4).

Ed Lambert