VFL Dalton Knecht is a prime example of how being a Tennessee transfer player can put someone on the map in a big way. During his lone season in Knoxville, Knecht became a consensus First Team All-American pick, a First Team All-SEC pick, the SEC Player of the Year, and the SEC Newcomer of the Year. He helped Tennessee Basketball reach the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament and parlayed all of that success into the 17th overall pick with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Chaz Lanier followed in his footsteps the next season, and Ja’Kobi Gillespie did so this past season. All three players won the SEC Newcomer of the Year award, putting their game on tape for scouts at the next level to see.
Tennessee has several transfer players who are looking to do the same this year. The Vols’ eight-man portal class is a star-studded group that was recently ranked No. 1 in ESPN’s portal rankings.
Playing for Tennessee and head coach Rick Barnes can be a little bit of a shock at times, though. While some of these guys are coming from big schools such as Notre Dame and Wake Forest, one of the reasons for that is Barnes’ intense coaching style. While it all comes out of care and respect, Barnes pushes his players hard on the practice court. He’s the first to joke around with them off the court, but he’s also quick to point out areas of improvement between the lines.
While speaking with reporters during his Dalton Knecht Youth Basketball Camp on Saturday, the VFL shared that he was able to see practice on Friday.
“It’s really cool, I got to go watch them practice yesterday,” Knecht said, via WVLT’s Rylee Robinson. “Juke (Harris) and a couple of the guys, they’ve got so many questions with Coach Barnes. Just got to stay with it. He’s only doing it out of love. I told them that. He’s a great coach. Great person off the court. They’re going to for sure enjoy it and I can’t wait for what Tennessee Basketball is about to do this year.”
More From RTI: Dai Dai Ames Had a Familiar Face at Tennessee When Making His Transfer Portal Decision
One of Tennessee’s top portal additions this spring was Notre Dame forward Jalen Haralson. The rising sophomore spoke about his growing relationship with Barnes during a media availability last week.
“I love Coach Barnes. He’s real direct,” Haralson said with a smile. “But, you know, he wants to push you. He wants you to get to your goal. I trust him with my game. There’s some days it’s like, man, this guy’s relentless. But that’s what I signed up for, though.”
Tennessee transfer point guard Dai Dai Ames spoke about the same thing during his media availability.
“Me and Coach Barnes got a great relationship,” Ames said. “He pushes me every time I’m on the court, even if I’m doing a little thing wrong. It’s the big details from him.”
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#VFL Dalton Knecht says he still keeps up with Tennessee basketball & talks to Rick Barnes on a regular basis.
“Whenever Tennessee is on, regardless of what sports are on, I always watch it.”
Knecht also got to watch the team practice yesterday & gave the new guys some advice. pic.twitter.com/EjT6yFyNbG
— Rylee Robinson (@ryleerobinsontv) June 13, 2026
