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Tampa Catholic alum Kevin Knox donates $2 million for school’s new gym

The high school basketball star, now an NBA player, said the school is “part of who I am on and off the court.”
 
New York Knicks forward Kevin Knox II, a graduate of Tampa Catholic High School, attempts a shot during a game against the Toronto Raptors at Amalie Arena in December 2020.
New York Knicks forward Kevin Knox II, a graduate of Tampa Catholic High School, attempts a shot during a game against the Toronto Raptors at Amalie Arena in December 2020. [ IVY CEBALLO | Times ]
Published Jan. 12, 2022|Updated Jan. 13, 2022

Kevin Knox II, an NBA player and 2017 graduate of Tampa Catholic High, donated $2 million to his alma mater to create a new gymnasium, the school announced this week.

Knox, 22, said in a news release that he was inspired to donate by his former coach, Don Dziagwa, and by lessons he learned at the school.

“I was inspired to give back to Tampa Catholic, as they helped me become the person and player I am today,” he said. “Being a TC Crusader will always be a part of who I am on and off the court.”

Knox, a forward, was drafted by the New York Knicks in 2018. On Thursday, a day after the announcement of his donation, the Knicks traded him to the Atlanta Hawks.

A rendering of the Kevin Knox II Fieldhouse at Tampa Catholic High. [ Courtesy of Tampa Catholic High School ]

The new facility, which will be named the Kevin Knox II Fieldhouse, will feature a fitness center, a Hall of Fame Pavilion, Champions Hall, coaching suites, video scoreboard, men’s and women’s locker rooms, bleachers and concessions. It is anticipated to be complete by spring.

Dziagwa said Thursday that Knox was always a special student.

”It was so easy for me to talk those NBA people about what type of person he was because he’s just such a good person,” he said. “It would be a much better world if people thought more about others.”

Knox’s father, Kevin Knox, a former FSU wide receiver who played one season in the NFL, said in an interview that he and his wife raised their son with the idea of giving back.

”In life I feel every parent wants their kid to achieve more than what they have. Kevin has eclipsed that. ....When god blesses you, you bless someone else,” he said.

The elder Knox said his family is close knit and he is excited to have his son closer in Atlanta.

“We can’t imagine a finer example of an alumnus who exhibits faith, excellence and family,” Tampa Catholic principal Robert Lees said in a news release. “Kevin is a champion on and off the court, and we are so grateful for this gift that will enhance the experience for every Tampa Catholic student, current and future.”