Started in 1899, the men's basketball team is one of the most storied programs in Knox history. The Prairie Fire basketball program feature an up-tempo, wide-open offense that is paired with a man-to-man defensive style that works to disrupt opposing offenses.

The Prairie Fire have made consistent playoff appearances in the last decade, and the team has seen its share of great individual performers. Since the 1999-2000 season, Knox has garnered 13 all-conference selections.

Players are able to enjoy top-notch facilities while playing. Prairie Fire home basketball games are played in Memorial Gym, which boasts the largest seating capacity in the Midwest Conference and a hardwood maple floor. The gym was renovated in the spring and summer of 2008. The E. & L. Andrew Fitness Center has state-of-the-art equipment that rivals any college in the Midwest.

While Prairie Fire basketball is extremely competitive, many opportunities to participate are available. Knox is also one of a small number of NCAA Division III schools in the country that offers both varsity and junior varsity basketball programs.

An emphasis on team chemistry and support define Knox basketball. The team takes an extended trip every other season, with the destination voted on by players; recent trips have included Florida and Washington D.C.

Prairie Fire basketball players have gone on to a wide variety of successful careers. Dustin Milliken '03 (Economics) is a group sales account executive for the Chicago White Sox. Mervyn Swanson '91 (History) is the head basketball coach at Tinley Park High School near Chicago. William Fuerst '69 (Psychology) is the dean of the School of Business at the University of Kansas. Robert Sprowls '79 (Economics and Business Administration) is the senior vice president and CFO of American States Water Company in Claremont, California. Stephen Hopkins '82 (Political Science) is a partner at the Hopkins & Kreamer law firm in Phoenix, Arizona.

For more information, submit the Recruit Me form or e-mail basketball@knox.edu.