LOCAL TALENT, DALTON KNECHT SIGNS WITH MEN’S HOOPS

Northern Colorado Athletics

Ryan Pfeifer, Director of Strategic Communications Strategic Communications Office | Butler-Hancock Athletic Center P: 970-351-3645 | C: 720-290-8886 | Ryan.Pfeifer@unco.edu

Thornton native and Northeastern Junior College transfer Dalton Knecht signs with UNC men’s basketball

GREELEY, Colo. – Colorado native Dalton Knecht will make the short trip from Sterling and Northeastern Junior College to Greeley to join the UNC Men’s Basketball program. The 6-6 guard is ranked in the top 10 of NJCAA players for 2020-21 according to JUCOAdvocat.

“Securing the commitment of Dalton Knecht is really big for our program. Dalton is a really talented basketball player that fits into the way we play, but more importantly, he’s the type of kid that we’re going to really enjoy coaching and the type of player that our community is going to be excited about watching on the floor,” said head coach Steve Smiley.

Knecht averaged 13.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game as a freshman at NJC leading to a Region IX All-Region selection. His efforts helped Northeastern to a 24-8 record, the NJCAA Region IX regular season title and advance to the Region IX Championship game. Knecht shot an impressive 45 percent from behind the arc on the year. He scored 20-plus points nine times, including a career-best 29 against Western Nebraska led by now current UNC assistant coach Cory Fehringer.

“We’ve always stressed that we want to build a fence around the state of Colorado and get the best in-state players to play for us at UNC, and I think we’ve accomplished that goal with Dalton. We’ve had our eye on Dalton for a long time and we can’t wait to start coaching him in the near future,” Smiley added. “As a player, his ability to shoot and stretch the defense is at the highest level, coupled with great length, athleticism and a motor that is always running. Dalton can play multiple positions for us, and he’s going to put tremendous pressure on the defense whenever he’s on the floor. Most importantly, he’s a proven winner at a very successful junior college program at NJC where Head Coach Eddie Trinkle has put together tremendous teams, with some incredible talent coming through those doors. He’s going to be a special player for many years here in Greeley.”

A native of Thornton, Colorado he attended Prairie View High School where he averaged 21 points and 6.5 rebounds as a senior.

What others are saying about Dalton
“Dalton Knecht is one of the best players I have ever coached here at NJC. He is one of the hardest workers and continually wants to be taught the game of basketball. We are very excited that we will get to continue watching Dalton play in-state at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. He will have a chance to go there and immediately be an impact guy for them. Dalton and his family are excited to be signing with UNC and being a part of the Bears Family!” – Northeastern Junior College Head Coach Eddie Trenkle

Get to Know Dalton
Hobbies/Interest: Playing basketball, hanging out with family and friends, playing video games Favorite Music/Artist: Lil Uzi Vert
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Movie: Marvel Movies
Favorite TV Show: The Simpsons
Most Interesting Place Visited: Las Vegas
Favorite Athlete: Kevin Durant

To stay up to date on all things UNC men’s basketball, visit UNCBears.com, follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the new UNC Athletics app by clicking here.