Rivers Knight, a 6-9 2026 F, talks recruitment and potential visits

Rivers Knight has grown into a key piece for the top 25 ranked Lincolnton (NC) Combine Academy. The skilled 6-foot-9 sophomore forward is averaging 14.0 points and 8.5 rebounds per 40 minutes played. Combine Academy is on the Overtime Elite Circuit, where they play as the Blue Checks.

“To describe my game in one word would be versatile,” Knight told On3. “At 6-foot-9, I’m one of the best three-point shooters in the class and I can take it down low. I feel like I can score at all three levels. I take a lot of stuff from the big long wings, like Kevin Durant and Lauri Markkanen.”

“We’re hearing a lot from Virignia Tech, right now,” Knight said. “I took an unofficial visit there, too.”

Rivers Knight talks Virginia Tech

”Their play-style really fits my game,” Knight said. “I really like the coaches there, all of them. I feel like if I were able to go there, I would fit in immediately. Everyone there plays hard and defends, but they all also have a bunch of skill. Everyone on the team can dribble, they can shoot, and everyone can attack.

“They might have the nicest college campus that I have ever seen. Especially their engineering facilities. The athletics stuff was great, football and basketball. And they’re like top three in food service and stuff. They have a great campus.”

Knight talks recruitment

“LSU is a school I would like to go see,” Knight said.

LSU: “They all play very hard, play hard defense and the whole team is very skilled. I feel like the SEC would be a fun conference to play in.”

“I’m hearing some from schools like Kentucky,” Knight added. “I would like to get up there next fall to see more about them. I took an unofficial visit to UNC, I’ve known Coach (Hubert) Davis for a while. Alabama has invited me to go see them, they are one of my top dream schools.

“I grew up in Birmingham, and my parents still live in Alabama,” Knight said. “But I also love Nate Oats and his coaching style and how he plays.”

At the end of the day

“Fit is going to be big for me,” Knight said. “When I go to a college, I want to be able to play, especially off the bat. The school programs will be big for me. What the majors look like and life after basketball. Mechanical Engineering is probably my top option, but I like Ancient History as well, so most likely one of those two majors for me.

“I’m comfortable in playing a five-out type of system with versatility. Where everyone can handle the ball a little and everyone can shoot it. I like a system where there is not one main guy, but all five players can attack a mismatch and fit into the system.”