On November 15, 2025, the University of Tennessee unveiled a new chapter in its storied basketball history. In a ceremony at Thompson–Boling Arena, amidst thunderous applause and swirling orange confetti, Dalton Knecht – the 6’6″ fifth‑year shooting guard who electrified Rocky Top – saw his No. 3 jersey permanently enshrined. This honor places him alongside the likes of Bernard King and Allan Houston—athletic royalty revered in Knoxville lore.
Dalton Knecht’s journey began far from the SEC spotlight. A standout at Northeastern Junior College, he averaged 23.9 PPG in his sophomore season (Athlon Sports, SI) before transferring to Northern Colorado and averaging 20.2 PPG in 2022–23 (Wikipedia). But it was his lone season at Tennessee in 2023–24 that solidified his legendary status, where he posted 21.7 PPG and shot at 45.8 % FG and 39.7 % 3PT —numbers rarely seen in Vols history.
Knecht’s performances weren’t just stat-padding; they were explosive and record‑setting. He earned consecutive SEC Player of the Week honors and national awards like USBWA Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week ). Media outlets noted his back‑to‑back 35+ point games, matching feats last seen from Shaquille O’Neal . He also captured the prestigious Julius Erving Award as the nation’s top small forward
Finalist recognition followed for the Naismith and Wooden Awards, with Southern media trailing Knoxville reverently In the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight against Purdue, he nearly carried Tennessee to its first Final Four since 2010, dropping 37 points in a gut-wrenching loss (On3).
Jersey retirements are sacred at Tennessee—reserved for those leaving indelible impressions. Knecht’s inclusion cements his legacy in elite company. During the ceremony, Coach Rick Barnes spoke of Knecht’s unwavering commitment, both within and beyond the hardwood: “He gave his everything, every game, every day. He made Tennessee basketball better.” Fans roared, chanting “DK! DK!” in unison—echoes of a star’s connection to the Vol Nation.
Teammates and administrators shared memories: late-night workouts, leadership in the locker room, humble interactions with students and donors. Knecht—who described Knoxville as “home” upon returning for workouts with the Lakers (On3)—embodied the student-athlete ideal.
The ceremony was capped with controlling visuals: a life-size silhouette of Knecht in his No. 3, video highlights of searchlight‑surging three-pointers, and a montage of fans wearing homemade “Knecht 3” T-shirts.
Draft Night & Rookie Glory
Drafted No. 17 by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024, expectations soared for Knecht. He opened eyes in Summer League and preseason, earning a roster spot under coach JJ Redick His rookie campaign featured stunning moments:
- November 2024 vs. Utah Jazz: 37 pts on 12/16 shooting (9/12 from deep), tying the Lakers rookie record for threes (SI). Anthony Davis quipped he narrowly missed a 40‑point night
- Career‑high 19 pts vs. Memphis: A flurry of hits prompted credit from LeBron James: “We leaned on Dalton Knecht.”
LeBron had earlier praised Knecht’s Tennessee run, saying that fans tuned in just to see him and Purdue’s Zach Edey KD gifted Knecht a signed jersey after a big game in Phoenix—a symbolic passing of the torch (
In early 2025, Knecht faced the volatility of the NBA business. A trade to Charlotte for Mark Williams was announced—then rescinded when Williams failed his physical (All for Tennessee). Knecht called it “felt like a movie,” but returned to LA embraced and reintegrated
Public sentiment—regionally and nationally—mirrored his rocky transition. His highlights amassed massive Reddit praise
These quotes capture the raw excitement surrounding his potential.
Jersey retirement isn’t handed out lightly. For Knecht, it’s validation for multiple reasons:
- Unprecedented On‑court Performance
— Program record: six 35‑point games in a season
— Conference dominance: SEC Player of the Year, unanimous first-team All-American - National Acclaim & Awards
— Julius Erving Award recipient (
— Naismith and Wooden finalist—placed Tennessee on the national stage - External Impact
— Lifted Tennessee’s media profile: increased broadcast viewership, ticket sales, NIL deals .
— Became a role model internally: humility, hard work, leading by example. - Bridge to NBA & Global Arena
— As an NBA teammate of LeBron and Davis, he connects Tennessee to basketball royalty
— His backstory—JUCO to first-rounder—resonates with underdogs and dreamers.
Coach Barnes, in his speech, perfectly captured it: “Few players bring destiny with them. DK didn’t just play—he carried us. To honor that is only right.”
Fans witnessed Knecht beneath the wings of the Vols’ iconic ram horns, memories forever immortalized. Future players will aspire to wear No. 3, hoping to emulate his grit and grace. As annual chants cry “DK, DK!” at Neyland Stadium, athletes will pause, humbled by his legacy.
On the larger stage, his jersey retirement speaks volumes: college basketball success still resonates in the NBA, and character holds weight. Knecht’s story—of seizing opportunities, inspiring communities, and weathering professional turbulence—offers a reminder of what talent plus humility can achieve.
Tennessee’s retirement of Dalton Knecht’s jersey is more than ceremony—it’s a milestone. It honors an extraordinary athlete, celebrates an exceptional character, and bridges collegiate glory with professional promise.
For Vols fans, it’ll be remembered as the day Rocky Top paused to salute one of its fiercest sons. And wherever Knecht lands next—in L.A., Charlotte, or beyond—that orange glow will forever light his spirit.
