http://mundelein.suntimes.com/sports/12 ... -iowa.html
Mundelein’s Robert Knar, who used a quick release to averaged 22.3 points per game this winter, pulled the trigger on Monday morning.
The 6-foot-1, 170-pound junior guard will play Division I basketball at the University of Northern Iowa.
Knar, who ranks No. 2 in all-time scoring for the Mustangs (1,897 points), likes everything about the basketball program in Cedar Falls — especially the system that coach Ben Jacobson runs.
“It’s Mundelein-esque,” said Knar, who is coached by his father, Richard Knar.
Jacobson, who guided the Panthers to a 20-14 record this winter, has been targeting Knar for some time.
Knar selected the Missouri Valley Conference school over Bucknell. He also drew interest from a number of other schools, including Stanford.
“I chose (UNI) because the academics are great, which has to come first.” Knar said. “I also like the people there, the basketball environment and the coach.
“I can’t thank him (Jacobson) enough,” said Knar, who owns a 4.025 grade-point average. “He was a big factor (in the decision).”
Knar said that he had a 30-minute talk with his dad, who played his college ball at Illinois-Chicago, on Sunday night — and the two agreed that Northern Iowa was a good fit.
“Of course, I had to clear it with mom,” said Knar, with a smile.
His former club coach, Mike Weinstein, also is on board.
“It’s a no-brainer for him,” said Weinstein. “He’ll do well there.
“He’ll be playing for a great coach, who isn’t (planning on) going anywhere,” Weinstein added. “And he’ll be playing in a great atmosphere (McLeod Center, which seats 6,650 fans).”
The Panthers have played outstanding basketball of late. They earned NCAA berths in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2010. They reached the Sweet Sixteen in 2010 after upsetting Kansas.
Knar, who made two all-state teams this winter (ICBA third team, News-Gazette special mention), has plenty of work remaining at Mundelein. He needs only 23 points to match Kyle Kessel’s all-time scoring mark.
He also has a shot to become the all-time leading scorer in Lake County. He’s chasing ex-Deerfield star Ryan Hogan (2,406.)