Tennessee guard Dalton Knecht has officially earned recognition as a finalist for the prestigious Wooden Award, an annual accolade bestowed upon the top player in college basketball. Knecht’s exceptional performance, averaging over 25 points per game in conference play, also earned him the title of SEC Player of the Year.
Originally transferring from Northern Colorado, Knecht made a significant impact on Tennessee’s basketball program this year with his outstanding scoring abilities. His arrival filled a crucial void for the Volunteers, propelling them to their first-ever Elite Eight under coach Rick Barnes. However, their journey was halted by Zach Edey and Purdue in a closely contested match, denying Tennessee its inaugural Final Four appearance.
FINALIST • @WoodenAward
DK is one of five remaining candidates for the John R. Wooden Award, given to the national player of the year
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— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) April 2, 2024
Despite the disappointment, Knecht’s remarkable season will be etched in Tennessee basketball history. His scoring prowess places him among the elite names of Volunteer basketball legends such as Dale Ellis, Bernard King, Allan Houston, Chris Lofton, and Grant Williams. Knecht’s impressive tally of 780 points this season ranks him second in Tennessee’s all-time single-season scoring list, trailing only Alan Houston.
Throughout the year, Knecht maintained an impressive scoring average of 21.7 points per game, overcoming a brief setback in December due to an ankle injury. He demonstrated efficiency on the court, shooting over 45 percent from the field and nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc. Knecht’s scoring proficiency also earned him the eighth spot nationally in points per game, with six instances of scoring over 35 points in a single game.
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Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 213 pounds, Knecht arrived at Tennessee with aspirations of improving defensively while establishing himself as a dominant scorer at the collegiate level. His stellar performance not only achieved these goals but also elevated him as a strong candidate for a lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
While Zach Edey has been the frontrunner for the Wooden Award throughout the season and is poised to secure his second consecutive win, Knecht’s transformative impact on Tennessee basketball and his impressive season undoubtedly solidify his status as a rising star in the sport. The official announcement of the Wooden Award recipient is slated for April 12th.
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