Knox Quartet Shines at 2025 Mid Atlantic Team Camp
In 2017, Condoleezza Rice chaired the NCAA’s Commission on College Basketball to address issues of corruption and reform in the sport. The commission’s report, released in 2018, focused on issues like the “one-and-done” rule, agent oversight, and the influence of apparel companies. The commission’s recommendations aimed to create a more transparent and ethical environment in college basketball. One of the outcomes of that investigation was that the NCAA followed the recommendation to reduce the Live Period dates for money-focused AAU events and replace them with dates for events hosted by the more “player-first” focus of high school sports associations. We now know those as the Scholastic Live Periods that run on the last two weekends of June each year.
On both weekends June 20-22 and June 27-29, the New Jersey Independent School Athletic Association held their Mid-Atlantic Independent School
Team Camps at Executive Education Academy Charter School in Allentown, PA. In the second weekend, the The Knox School participated in the event. Founded in 1904, the Knox School is Long Island’s oldest established private school, located on the North Shore. The Knox basketball program has been undergoing a significant ramp up under Head Coach Jared Grasso and Assistant Coach and Director of Player Development, Malik Rhem. Coach Grasso, previously the very successful head coach of D1 Bryant College, led Knox to the 2024-25 Empire 8 League and Tournament titles, and a #26 nationally prep program computer ranking in his first year last season.
Four Knox players, profiled below, drew significant notice on the first day of play at Allentown, as Knox went 2-0 over Phelps School (PA) and Lawrenceville School (NJ).
Jordan King (2026) King is a former high school standout at Xaverian High in Brooklyn. He does a lot of different things on the court. He can make shots from anywhere and is a very good rebounder. He should have a strong opportunity for college scout exposure this upcoming season as he continues to perform well for Knox.
Diing Maiwan (2026) 6’6 small forward. Maiwan has come to Knox from Edward Little High in Maine, and Coach Grasso is very excited about his upside. He is getting his first college scout exposure opportunity by suiting up with Knox. This young man is a super athlete who plays above the rim, and he can also shoot the 3. He has a great feel for the game, and his recruiting radar blips should continue on from here as he keeps playing well for Knox.
Rob Phelps Jr. (2026) 6’5 wing - Phelps is a former PSAL standout at Bedford Academy in Brooklyn. He does a little of everything on the court. He has a very good mid-range game, can get to the basket finish or make plays for his teammates. His length aids him in his ability to defend at a high level. He is a very high IQ and versatile player who makes winning plays.
Brandon Varlack (2026) 6’1 point guard. Varlack is the former 2024-25 Newsday All Long Island First Team selection at Half Hollow Hills High. He is a very good player who has a very full resume of basketball accolades. He shoots the ball very well, and he gets to the basket with ease. He makes good decisions with the ball in his hands. His most impressive contributions often arise from his strong defensive abilities.