Dalton Knecht, the former University of Tennessee standout who captured the SEC Player of the Year award before entering the NBA, is turning his attention to the next generation of players with his first-ever youth basketball camp in Knoxville.
A Camp With a Purpose
The camp, scheduled for June 13, is tailored for children in grades four through eight. Participants will pay a $75 fee that covers a custom t‑shirt and a catered lunch, ensuring that the experience is both educational and accessible.
Knecht’s collegiate career at Tennessee was marked by impressive statistics — averaging 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game — and a suite of accolades that cemented his status as one of the program’s most impactful players.
After being selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2023 NBA Draft, Knecht transitioned to the professional ranks, where he posted 4.2 points, 1.4 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game during his sophomore season. While his NBA numbers are still emerging, the buzz surrounding his potential move to a new team reflects the high hopes fans hold for his development.
Beyond the hardwood, Knecht’s camp aims to foster community ties and provide mentorship, using his own journey — from SEC stardom to NBA aspirations — as a roadmap for young athletes. The initiative underscores a growing trend of professional players investing in grassroots basketball programs across the country.