Schools
Former Central High, Bama Standout Justin Knox Returns To Alma Mater As Head Basketball Coach
Knox has returned to his hometown to coach for his alma mater's boy's basketball team at Central High School.
TUSCALOOSA, AL — Former Crimson Tide and professional basketball player Justin Knox has returned to his hometown to coach at his alma mater's boy's basketball team at Central High School.
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The Tuscaloosa native was one of the most decorated student-athletes in Central’s history, who went on to play at both the University of Alabama and the University of North Carolina.
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He takes the place of former coach Willie Moore, who had led the program since the 2019-20 season.
As a senior at Central, Knox averaged 16 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks per game while leading the Falcons to the state’s Final Four in Birmingham.
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His performance earned him multiple honors, including the 2007 Gatorade Alabama Player of the Year award, 4A Alabama State Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player of the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game.
Off the court, Knox also excelled academically.
He was a member of the National Honor Society and served as salutatorian of his graduating class, receiving more than $1 million in combined academic and athletic scholarship offers.
Knox signed with the University of Alabama out of high school and played for the Crimson Tide from 2007 to 2010, earning a starting role and recognition as the Southeastern Conference’s Men’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
He later transferred to the University of North Carolina for his senior season, where he helped the Tar Heels capture the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season championship and advance to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.
Following his collegiate career, Knox spent more than a decade playing professional basketball overseas, competing in multiple countries.
During that time, Knox won a championship and earned several Player of the Month honors along with all-star selections.
Knox and his wife, Rachel, have three children: Aleaha, Carter and Jayce.
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