Tennessee are through to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive season. In a hard-fought battle, they edged past the Texas Longhorns 62-58 and kept their hopes alive of ending their season on a high. Like most of the teams this season, their star transfer Dalton Knecht came in and saved the day for them.

Ever since his inclusion in the Vols this season, the 6′ 6″ guard has architected a resounding campaign for the Vols. Being rated as among the best college basketball players at the moment, Dalton Knecht has surely lived up to his hype and expectations.

The SEC Newcomer of the Year got transferred into the Tennessee basketball program from Northern Colorado before the start of the season. His lethal shot-making and brute physicality have made him a valuable asset to the team. Moreover, the Thornton-born baller has also displayed his effectiveness in taking long-range shots with ease as he’s currently burying 39.1% of his beyond-the-arc shots.

He caught everyone’s attention with his stellar senior season with the Bears. In the 32 games he was a part of, he scored a total of 646 points while maintaining an average of 20.2 points. In addition to this, he was also a handful on the defensive front as he grabbed 7.2 rebounds per game. Following this, he continued his impeccable basketball for the Volunteers this season as well. Evidently, he’s averaging 21.1 points per game which currently ties him in the 14th position.

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However, it’s not just the numbers that are making all the headlines and have justified Tennessee’s faith in him.

Dalton Knecht running wild

The explosive No.3 has been unstoppable ever since the business end of the campaign started. He showed a glimpse of his actual capacity in a five-game stretch averaging 31 points per game. In addition to this, he has scored 20+ points on 17 occasions so far this season. This includes a 23-point performance in the opening NCAA round against the Peacocks. He unleashed himself in the SEC semi-finals against Kentucky where he got a career-high 40 points next to his name. Unfortunately, his valiant efforts went in vain in the Vols’ heartbreaking loss.

Undeniably, Dalton Knecht has been one worthy addition to the Tennessee Volunteers. The kind of impact he had on their overall campaign has made him a force to be reckoned with. Only time will tell whether he will be able to make the most of his extra year of eligibility.

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Do you think Dalton Knecht can lead Tennessee to national glory?