It’s safe to say that Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht is one of the most dangerous players on the court in the entire SEC. In fact, after his recent three-game stretch, it’s probably fair to say that he is one of the most dangerous offensive players in the nation.
Knecht transferred to Rocky Top from Northern Colorado over the off-season and was immediately projected to bring his instant scoring ability to Tennessee’s roster. Knecht has surpassed initial expectations and proved himself to be one of the sport’s elite scorers through the first two and a half months of the season.
The 6-foot-6 guard has totaled an astounding 103 points over his last three games with 28 against Mississippi State in Starkville, 36 against Georgia in Athens, and 39 against Florida in Knoxville. All of those games came within a six-day stretch from last Wednesday to Tuesday, too. Over that span of games, Knecht averaged just over 57 percent from the floor and just under 58 percent from three-point range.
Knecht has simply been remarkable for Tennessee and is a huge reason for the Vols’ top-six ranking.
Knecht’s scoring output in Knoxville on Tuesday night unleashed a flood of broken or tied records from a handful of different locations. The Tennessee senior passed Chris Lofton’s record, tied a Kevin Durant record, and revived dormant conference scoring streaks.
More from RTI: Rick Barnes Praises ‘Unselfish’ Nature Of Tennessee’s Leaders After Florida Win
Here’s a look at some of the statistical categories that Knecht either entered or surpassed after his recent three-game scoring streak. All categories were compiled from either Tennessee Athletics communications or the ESPN game broadcast:
Knecht Passes Chris Lofton’s Three-Game Scoring Total
VFL Chris Lofton held the Tennessee record for most points in a three-game stretch with 89 during the 2006 season. Knecht’s recent three-game stretch gives him 103 total points to pass Lofton’s mark by 14.
Knecht: First Vol With Back-to-Back 30-Point Games Since Lofton
Knecht’s 39-point showing against Florida and 36-point performance against Georgia makes for the first back-to-back 30-point output that Tennessee has had as a program since Chris Lofton did so in February 2006.
Knecht Joins Exclusive List of Tennessee Scorers
With three 35-point games in just 17 appearances, Knecht is now the sixth all-time Tennessee player to record at least three 35-point games. Knecht joins Bernard King (11), Ernie Grunfeld (8), Allan Houston (6), Tony White (4), and Dale Ellis (3).
Knecht Joins Kevin Durant On Impressive Rick Barnes List
Dalton Knecht’s 103 total points over the last three games tie a record for the most points by a Rick Barnes-coached played during his 37-year coaching career. Former Texas star Kevin Durant also had 103 points in a three-game stretch during the 2006-2007 season.
Knecht Takes Over Dormant SEC Records
Knecht’s 103 points in the last three games are the most by an SEC player since the 2019-2020 season. Knecht’s 75 points in the last two games are the most by an SEC player since the 2008-2009 season.
Knecht Ties Shaq’s Scoring Streak
According to Jared Berson (via UT communications), the last SEC player with consecutive 35-point performances was, based on available data, likely LSU’s Shaquille O’Neal nearly 33 years ago, on Feb. 17 and Feb. 20, 1991.
Dalton Knecht Moves Into Tennessee’s Top 20 Scoring Charts
Knecht’s 39 points against Florida on Tuesday tie for the 16th most in-game points in Tennessee program history. It is the 19th time that a Tennessee player has ever hit the 39-point mark in a single game.
