Former Tampa Catholic star bound for the NBA

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Just over a year ago, Kevin Knox was a 17-year-old playing like a man among boys at Tampa Catholic High School. In a year since, Knox has developed into one of the most coveted NBA draft prospects in the country. 

As a freshman, Knox lead Kentucky, averaging 15.6 points per game, which was part of the reason he is one and done -- ready for the NBA challenge. 

Knox showcased his talent to the Magic early this month, one of a half-dozen NBA visits.

"Kentucky helped me out a lot to grow as a person and a player,” Knox said after his workout with the Orlando Magic. "I’m the second youngest player in the draft this year. It doesn't mean anything. That’s not an excuse. I put my name in the draft for a reason -- because I think I’m ready. My age has nothing to do with it. I’m just going to go out there and compete and play hard.”

Knox stock is on the rise. His mid-round projection has elevated to a possible top-10 spot. The Magic are picking sixth in Thursday night’s draft.

“Growing up in Tampa, it’s only an hour away from here,” Knox said. “It’s kind of a quick drive to come out here, so it’d be nice to come out here to come to the Orlando Magic. It’s real close to home, convenient for my family. A lot of my family is down south in Miami and could be able to come up and watch me play. So it’d be really fun to play in Orlando because it’s really a hometown city for me.”

Kentucky head coach John Calipari got Knox for one season, but he’s isn't bitter. He's used to one-and-done players and believes whichever NBA drafts Kevin will be getting a steal. His high school coach Don Dziagwa is in agreement.

"I would really agree with that,” Dziagwa told FOX 13 Sports. "I think from just a skills standpoint and the way the NBA seems to be developing."

Knox is hearing from NBA teams that he could be selected somewhere between sixth and 10th in Thursday night's draft. If he does he'll be in line to make $2.5-million to $3.5 million in his first year -- a nice payday for a 19-year old.

"Kevin is so humble about all of this,” added Dziagwa. "I'm not sure that a million, two million, three million even phases him all that much. I think he just looks at this as he's going to be able to play basketball. But those paychecks are going be nice coming in."