From the bench in high school to a top pick NBA – The Strange Rise of Dalton Knecht

Not every NBA star begins as a top recruit. In fact, the story of Dalton Knecht is one of the most unconventional and inspiring journeys in recent basketball memory. Once riding the bench in high school and receiving virtually no attention from Division I programs, Dalton Knecht’s rise to NBA lottery pick status is a testament to resilience, relentless work ethic, and a refusal to quit.

Today, he’s being heralded by analysts and coaches alike as one of the best pure scorers in the 2024 NBA Draft class, and some are even calling him the “biggest steal of the year.” But getting here was anything but traditional.

Dalton Knecht: A Name Nobody Knew

Back in high school, Dalton Knecht wasn’t on anyone’s radar. He didn’t play on the high-profile AAU circuit. He didn’t dominate state championships or get featured in national recruiting blogs. In fact, he barely played significant minutes at Prairie View High School in Henderson, Colorado.

Knecht didn’t even start until his senior year—a far cry from the typical top-tier NBA prospect. While others were getting full-ride offers to blue-blood college programs, Knecht had to beg for opportunities just to continue playing basketball.

There were no college scouts at his games. No highlight reels going viral. And no one thought he had NBA potential.

The Junior College Years: Grinding in the Shadows

With no Division I offers, Dalton Knecht enrolled at Northeastern Junior College, a tiny JUCO program in Sterling, Colorado. For many, JUCO is the last stop before giving up on the dream. But for Knecht, it was the start of something special.

At Northeastern, he finally got the playing time and attention he deserved. His scoring instincts, shooting range, and work ethic quickly turned heads. In two seasons, he averaged nearly 24 points per game, becoming one of the top JUCO players in the nation.

Still, the major colleges weren’t knocking down his door. It wasn’t until Northern Colorado, a mid-major Division I program, offered him a spot that his NCAA dreams began to materialize.

Dominating at Northern Colorado

At Northern Colorado, Knecht continued to prove his doubters wrong. In the 2022–2023 season, he averaged 20.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting efficiently from the field and beyond the arc.

Despite playing in the Big Sky Conference, often overlooked by major scouts, Knecht’s name began to appear on NBA radar lists. But he knew if he wanted to truly solidify his NBA future, he had to prove himself against Power Five competition.

That meant one more big leap.

Tennessee Volunteers: Proving Himself on the Big Stage

In his final year of college eligibility, Dalton Knecht transferred to Tennessee, a school known for its defensive-minded, hard-nosed style under head coach Rick Barnes. There, he didn’t just fit in—he flourished.

In one of the toughest conferences in college basketball, the SEC, Knecht emerged as an elite scorer and go-to offensive option. He averaged 21.7 points per game, shot over 39% from three, and had multiple 30-point outings against top-tier opponents.

Analysts began comparing him to Desmond Bane and Khris Middleton—NBA players who took non-traditional routes but developed into stars. The media started calling Knecht a “riser” in draft boards. He wasn’t just a feel-good story anymore—he was legit.

The NBA Draft Combine: A Star is Confirmed

At the 2024 NBA Draft Combine, Knecht solidified everything scouts had been whispering. He measured in at 6’6″ with a 6’9″ wingspan, shot the lights out in drills, and displayed poise in live scrimmages.

What impressed executives most was his ability to create his own shot, move without the ball, and play with a veteran’s confidence. While others came in trying to showcase athleticism or potential, Knecht came in ready to contribute immediately.

Multiple NBA GMs and scouts called him the most “pro-ready scorer” in the draft.

Veteran Coaches Weigh In

Perhaps the most telling moment of Knecht’s rise came when a veteran NBA coach—one who has coached All-Stars and Finals teams—was quoted as saying:

“Dalton could be the biggest steal of the year. His game is polished. He shoots like an NBA vet and carries himself like one too. If he lands in the right system, he’s going to torch second units and maybe even start sooner than people think.”

That kind of endorsement doesn’t come lightly. But it reflects how respected Dalton Knecht’s maturity and skillset have become within NBA circles.

What Makes Dalton Knecht Special?

So what exactly sets Dalton Knecht apart?

• Elite Shooting: He can knock down threes off the dribble, off screens, or in catch-and-shoot situations.

• Basketball IQ: Knecht moves well without the ball and always seems to be in the right spot.

• Work Ethic: Every coach he’s had praises his commitment to improvement.

• Physicality: He’s not just a finesse player—he can finish through contact and isn’t afraid to defend.

• Versatility: Can play both the shooting guard and small forward positions, depending on matchups.

Most importantly, he’s battle-tested. He’s played against older players, against tougher competition, and with a chip on his shoulder.

Potential Fits in the NBA

While he may not go Top 5, there are several teams in the mid-to-late lottery and beyond where Dalton Knecht would be a perfect fit:

Miami Heat – Known for developing underdog talent and emphasizing shooting and toughness.

Golden State Warriors – Could thrive in a motion-heavy offense where off-ball movement is prized.

Utah Jazz – Looking for wing scoring and a high-character player to build around.

Los Angeles Lakers – Needing shooting and wing help around LeBron and AD, Knecht could contribute immediately.

Wherever he lands, it’s clear that Knecht is going to make an impact right away.

From No Offers to Lottery Pick: A Cinderella Tale

There are few stories in the NBA as uniquely humbling and rewarding as Dalton Knecht’s.

From benchwarmer in high school to JUCO grinder, mid-major standout, SEC star, and now likely first-round NBA Draft pick, Knecht’s rise is proof that the system doesn’t always define your destiny.

In a league where so much attention goes to blue-chip prospects and viral mixtapes, Dalton Knecht is a refreshing throwback—a player who got here by outworking everyone else.

What’s Next for Dalton Knecht?

Expectations are high now. Some project him as a rotation player from day one, while others see starter potential within two years. If he lands in the right spot, with the right development team and system, there’s little doubt he could become one of the top rookies in the 2024–2025 NBA season.

And more importantly, he’s just getting started.

Final Thoughts: A Blueprint for Every Underdog

Dalton Knecht’s story should be shown to every young player who gets overlooked, told they’re not good enough, or doesn’t start in high school. He didn’t just make it—he redefined what it means to beat the odds.

If there’s one takeaway from his journey, it’s this: talent is only part of the equation—heart, hustle, and belief are what truly separate the good from the great.

And in the case of Dalton Knecht, greatness might just be on the horizon.