Tennessee's Dalton Knecht Named CBS Sports Transfer Player of the Year
ICARO Media Group
In college basketball's modern era, the key to a successful March Madness run can often be found during the April avalanche of transfer portal movement. Last year, several big-name players made their commitments to new schools, shaping the landscape of the 2023-24 season.
One player who stood out among the transfers was Dalton Knecht, who made a significant impact for the Tennessee Volunteers after leaving Northern Colorado. Knecht's arrival sparked a revitalization of Tennessee's offense and set the stage for the program's second-ever Elite Eight run.
The 6-foot-6 shooting guard proved to be a scoring machine for the Volunteers, averaging an impressive 25.5 points per game on 42.4% 3-point shooting in SEC conference play. His stellar performance earned him the title of SEC Player of the Year and consensus first-team All-American honors.
Knecht's versatility on the court was a nightmare for opponents to handle. Not only was he deadly from beyond the arc, but he also displayed a deft touch with mid-range shooting and an ability to attack the rim with relentless aggression.
Throughout the season, Knecht surpassed the 30-point mark on eight occasions and consistently showcased his shooting prowess by hitting three or more 3-pointers in 17 games. He truly exceeded expectations, establishing himself as a potential lottery pick in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft.
Joining Knecht on the CBS Sports All-Transfer Team is Cam Spencer from UConn. The graduate transfer from Rutgers proved to be an invaluable addition to the UConn roster, starting all 40 games and averaging 14.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. Spencer's competitiveness and efficiency made him an integral part of UConn's successful season.
Another notable transfer was Hunter Dickinson, who made the move from Michigan to Kansas. Although Dickinson did not earn First Team All-American honors as some had predicted, he still had a strong season, averaging 17.9 points and 10.9 rebounds while shooting an impressive 54.8%.
Rounding out the All-Transfer Team is Great Osobor from Utah State. Osobor, who came from Montana State, played a pivotal role in guiding the Aggies to their first Mountain West regular-season championship. He was named the conference's Player of the Year after averaging 17.7 points and 9.0 rebounds, shooting an impressive 57.7%.
Additionally, Caleb Love from Arizona received recognition for his outstanding season, winning the Pac-12 Player of the Year award. Love averaged 18.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while playing a crucial role in Arizona's successful Sweet 16 run.
These transfer players made a significant impact on their respective teams and showcased the growing importance of the transfer portal in college basketball. As the sport continues to evolve, the ability to adapt and find the right fit through transfers has become more vital than ever.
The success of players like Knecht, Spencer, Dickinson, Osobor, and Love highlights the potential rewards that can be reaped in the new era of college basketball's free agency. Stay tuned as the upcoming offseason promises more exciting transfer moves that could shape the landscape for the 2024-25 season.