From his dad came a love of the mid-range jump shot.

From his uncles came an assortment of tricks to gain an extra edge against opponents.

From his coach came a system of play that allows him to utilize his wide array of offensive skills.

The cumulative effect has been Tyler Knight’s emergence as arguably the top high school basketball player in the city this season.

The 6-foot-2 senior guard leads Lawrence High’s run ‘n’ gun offense with 17.8 points per game, has knocked down an area-best 60 three-pointers, and has shown a consistent ability to thrive despite his status as the marked man on each and every opponent’s scouting report.

In a city where the name “Knight” carries plenty of basketball cache, the newest chip off the block is holding his own.

“He has the most complete offensive package of speed, quickness, getting to the basket and long-range shooting percentage of anyone we’ve ever had here,” said LHS coach Chris Davis, who has sent a number of players to the next level during his six years as the Lions’ head man.

“He has the tools a lot of kids don’t have.”

While Davis’ up-tempo offense has provided a template for Knight to showcase his wares, it’s the latter’s lineage that’s unquestionably played the primary role in his ability to take advantage of such surroundings.

Knight’s dad, Mark Knight, is one of three brothers to earn membership in Kansas University’s storied basketball fraternity. After a two-year career at Colby Junior College, he walked on for the Jayhawks at the request of former KU coach Ted Owens, closing out his playing career in the 1980-81 season.

The younger Knight’s uncles had an even greater impact during their time on Mount Oread. Danny Knight led the 1973-74 Final Four squad in scoring at 12.4 ppg, and Kelly Knight closed out his career in 1984 as one of an elite group of Jayhawks who have eclipsed the 1,000-point barrier.

Just for good measure, another brother, James, played Division I ball at San Diego State University.

Such a collection of talent meant two things for Tyler Knight once he picked up the game.

First, there was never a shortage of advice.

“I’ve been around it all my life. They see the little things that a lot of people may not see,” Knight said. “So I’ve been critiqued at a higher level than most people have.”

Second, there was never a shortage of expectations. Once he joined the LHS varsity as a bit player during his sophomore season, Knight faced two scenarios – succumb to the stress of his famous surname, or add another successful branch to the family basketball tree.

Thanks to a healthy perspective, it’s been the latter.

“There’s not really pressure : because the Division I level for me probably isn’t an option,” Knight said. “I’m just out having fun.”

In fact, college basketball at all may not be in his future.

Despite his gaudy numbers, interest in his services has been limited to a handful of junior colleges throughout the state. The greater interest has come in baseball, where Knight’s powerful arm and swift feet have led to speculation that he has a brighter future as an outfielder than as a shooting guard.

“A lot of people say I have more potential for baseball. I’ve heard that a lot,” Knight said.

However, those that know him best know his first love is basketball – and feel he has the requisite tools to play in college should the opportunity present itself.

“A lot of times, I find myself comparing to what I was at his age,” said Mark Knight, now a special assistant attorney general to the Kansas State Board of Nursing. “He knows the game better than I did. He’s stronger than I was at his age. He’s a better athlete than I was at his age.

“I’m very proud about the way he’s worked at being an athlete. That’s kind of hard for some kids.”

Should the younger Knight decide to don sneakers instead of cleats at the collegiate level, one intriguing option looms.

A handful of LHS graduates have created a bit of a cottage industry in their willingness to walk on at KU and, while not necessarily earning a lot of playing time, earning the respect and admiration of fans eager to embrace the hometown boy done good. The most recent example, former LHS guard Stephen Vinson, eventually parlayed that route into a scholarship this winter for his senior season.

Tyler Knight admits it’s a path he’s considered taking.

“That would be a fun thing to do. I’ve heard it from a lot of people to go and try to fight for a walk-on spot,” Knight said. “It’s in my head. : It’s something I think about.”

However, Mark Knight feels one of the same strengths that’s led to his son’s two-sport success might ultimately foil such a plan.

“What I know of his game, he can probably do just about anything he puts his mind to,” Knight said. “But I also know my son – he’s not the type of athlete in whatever he’s playing to sit and watch very well.”