The Tennessee Volunteers are one of America’s best college basketball teams. Playing fierce defense, and now having a player who can terrorize opponents on a nightly basis. Something Head Coach Rick Barnes has never had while at the University of Tennessee. Dalton Knecht, a transfer from Northern Colorado, has been arguably the nation’s best player. Having big time performances against schools like North Carolina, Auburn, Illinois, Wisconsin, and more. Solidifying himself as a lock for a First-Team All-American roster spot, and being recognized as one of the nation’s best.
It has been a while since Vol fans have seen a deep postseason run from the Orange and White; however, if there was any time to do it, now’s the time. Having a roster filled with experience and depth, as most of their rotation are upperclassmen. The Vols made their longest run back in 2010 heading to the Elite 8, and falling to Draymond Green and the Michigan State Spartans. Leaving fans eager for another banner in the rafters. However, there’s still a lot of work to do as the NCAA tournament is anyone’s game. If the Volunteers want to make their first ever final four appearance, Knecht will need to continue his elite play.
Dalton Knecht the Scorer
The Northern Colorado transfer has proven that what he did in his time there was no fluke. Upping his stats in arguably the hardest conference in college basketball this season. Knecht has shown scouts that he loves the moment. Having multiple 30 point games versus ranked opponents. Seeming to up his performance whenever his team needs him most. Increasing his average in conference play to 25 PPG. Posting eight games of 25 or more points, and five games of 30 or more points. Only scoring single digits once. His first conference game of the season that ended in a 26 point victory over Ole Miss. A game that was never close.
Dalton Knecht has gained the attention of the entire nation. Putting up multiple games of 30 points or more, and a season-high 39 points twice. His most recent being in a top 15 conference matchup vs. the #11 Auburn Tigers. A game with high stakes, as the winner could take the regular season conference championship. Securing first place seeding in SEC tournament play. With first place implications on the line, the Tigers sent everything they could at Knecht. Trying to force the ball out of his hands as much as possible; however, great offense beats great defense every time. Knecht went on to outscore the Tigers 25-21 in the final 12 minutes of regulation. An Auburn team with one of the top 5 defenses in the nation. Something unheard of against a Bruce Pearl led team. Knecht has shown that he is one of college basketball’s best shot-creators. Having the ability to score at all three levels of the court, and being a deadly shooter. Something that will translate well in the NBA. Many analysts believe Knecht may be the first collegiate player drafted in this upcoming NBA draft. Potentially becoming the first Volunteer since Tobias Harris to be selected in the lottery.
Naismith Player of the Year
The race for Naismith National Player of the Year is now a two-man race between Zach Edey of Purdue, and now Dalton Knecht. A race once seen as one-sided in favor of Edey has now seen the momentum shift, as Knecht is in one arguably the toughest conference, and sitting in first place. Making his case in the Player of the Year discussion, as the Vols are games away from winning the regular season title. The Vols need a win against Alabama and a win against either South Carolina or Kentucky to secure first place seeding. If Knecht can lead his Volunteers to a regular season conference championship and secure one seed in the NCAA tournament, we may be looking at your 2024 Naismith National Player of the Year. The first Volunteer to receive the award. Cementing himself as one of the greatest players in program history.
The Volunteers face off against the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday, March 2 in Thompson-Boling Arena. Another top 15 SEC matchup, with first place seeding on the line. The Volunteers currently have the tie-breaker between the two programs; however, a loss to the Crimson Tide will see Alabama control its destiny. Dalton Knecht and the Volunteers have a gauntlet of a schedule to end the season. Finishing their season with four ranked opponents. If the Volunteers want to keep this first seed hopes alive, they will need to lean on Knecht. The best player in college basketball.
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