How Dalton Knecht proved to be the 'perfect fit' for 2024 NCAA Tournament contender Tennessee
As we approach Selection Sunday, On3’s Bracketologist James Fletcher III believes the Tennessee Volunteers going against type has been the secret to their success.
Usually it’s been the defense of Rick Barnes‘ teams that have led them to success, but the Volunteers have relied on some strong offense from star transfer Dalton Knecht to get the job done during this special campaign. Joining Andy Staples on Andy Staples On3 on YouTube, Fletcher III elaborated on why he’s making the Volunteers one of the more fascinating squads this March.
“He was a touted scorer, but that was all that we knew about it,” Fletcher III said of Knecht before he moved to Knoxville. “We knew he was going to score the basketball when he was on the floor. There were questions about his defense. Would he be able to stay on the floor for Rick Barnes, who cares deeply about the defensive end of the floor.
“So there were questions, I talked to people around the industry coming into the season. They said, ‘This Tennessee team. Yeah, they could be great. This could be the perfect fit.’ He added these offensive players. That was always the problem for Rick Barnes,” Fletcher III continued. “But Is he really going to play them at the end of the game? Is he really going to keep Dalton Knecht out there, when he gets blown by for a layup?’ Well, the answer is yes, because Dalton Knecht’s going to go get that layup back, and then add a three pointer on top of it, on the next possession.”
Fletcher III added that Knecht’s offensive prowess has been ridiculously “far above what we thought he would be,” and it’s propelled Tennessee to having their best shot at a title in a long time.
“Dalton Knecht is so good on offense. So far above what we thought he would be, that he has really changed this Tennessee team, and the perception of it,” Fletcher III added. “From a defensive team, that’s gonna be super streaky on offense. That may have it, may not, on any given night. To a team that has a go-to guy, who you know, down the stretch, they’re going to get it in his hands.
“They’re going to run pick-and-roll, and they’re going to get out of his way every time down the floor. You better figure out a way to stop it.”
It’s been a phenomenal season for Dalton Knecht and the Tennessee Volunteers throughout the 2023-2024 campaign, and we’ll see if they can cap it off with a strong run in March moving forward.